The EU’s high-speed railway network has nearly doubled in a decade according to official figures, with lines capable of carrying trains at speeds of 250 km/h and more criss-crossing 8,556 km across the continent in 2023. However, the total railway network in the bloc shrunk by 1.3% in that time, highlighting the lack of progress in improving railway infrastructure. Countries like Czechia, Belgium, and Germany have the highest density of railway lines in Europe, reflecting their high population density and freight transport volumes, while countries like Greece and Finland have the lowest densities.
While high railway density usually means higher accessibility to railways, it is important that the system is also affordable and reliable to ensure high demand from passengers. Czechia, for example, has low ticket prices but struggles with punctuality, affecting its overall ranking. Spain leads the EU in terms of high-speed railway lines, benefiting from low construction costs and receiving the most EU funds for high-speed rail projects. France, Germany, and Italy follow closely behind in terms of high-speed railway infrastructure.
Europe’s railway network still has a long way to go to support the continent’s energy and climate goals, as the European Court of Auditors warned that the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is unlikely to meet its goals on time. Campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) is urging countries to invest more national funds into rail projects while calling for the European Commission to prioritize investments that boost transnational connections. To fully realize the climate potential of rail, increased competition, simplified cross-border ticketing, and a common signalling system in Europe are needed.
High-speed railway lines play a significant role in facilitating seamless travel across the EU, with Spain leading the way in terms of kilometers of high-speed lines. However, simply building high-speed lines is not enough to achieve the EU’s rail targets, as a comprehensive approach that includes investment in infrastructure, improved connectivity, and streamlined operations is needed. By focusing on affordability, reliability, and sustainability, Europe can further enhance its railway network and contribute to the continent’s clean transport transition.
