The Commission will fund 10 initiatives across Europe to promote medium- and long-distance rail traffic.

Newly proposed 10 cross border rail map in Europe

Among the 10 projects received European financing for the upgrade of cross-border railway networks are two large portions that straddle Italy. These are the routes from Rome to Munich and Venice to Paris, with a stop in Milan in between. “As demand for green mobility grows, the rail sector must respond better and quicker, particularly for lengthy and cross-border travel,” said European Transport Commissioner Adina Valean.

“That is why, he continued, the European Commission now intends to assist railway businesses in establishing new international train links – both day and night – by removing the numerous hurdles to cross-border rail. I am excited to collaborate with the railway industry to ensure the success of these ten pilot projects and to inspire many more “, the Commissioner added. Other EU-funded initiatives include the Stockholm-Copenhagen-Berlin night lines and the direct Amsterdam-Barcelona route, as well as short-term services such as Munich-Zurich, Lisbon-Madrid, and Barcelona-Montpellier.

The train industry and relevant authorities made the recommendations in response to the Commission’s action plan to enhance long-distance and cross-border passenger rail, which was adopted in December 2021. The action plan identified and addressed impediments to the deployment and operation of cross-border train passenger services. The trial services launched today are one such initiative, which will assist train operators and authorities in breaking down remaining hurdles with the aid of the European Commission.