Accelerating the roll-out of Europe's high-speed rail network
On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their recommendations for improving the EU’s high-speed rail connectivity and territorial cohesion.
The report, prepared by the Transport and Tourism Committee , calls for a European high-speed rail network that is interoperable, innovative, accessible and intermodal, delivering genuine value for citizens and public investment alike.
MEPs want high-speed rail to connect not only EU capitals, but also major urban nodes across all European regions and key neighbouring countries. They want the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework to ensure adequate and dedicated funding, including through preserving and strengthening the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and supporting investments through the national plans.
MEPs also encourage countries and railway operators to make high-speed train tickets more affordable including through accessible fares and appropriate reduced-fare or subscription schemes.
Background
In November 2025, the Commission adopted the high-speed rail action plan setting out the steps needed to create a faster, more interoperable and better-connected European network by 2040. More than €100 billion from EU programmes has been allocated to rail infrastructure projects since 2014.
Procedure file: 2026/2003(INI)
Procedure: own-initiative report
Vote: Tuesday 20 October