The European Commission today convened a Strategic Dialogue with investors and rail sector stakeholders to discuss how to scale up financing for high-speed rail infrastructure and rolling stock across the European Union. Participants explored ways to mobilise investment for priority projects and unlock new opportunities across the sector.
Completing the trans-European high-speed rail network by 2040 will require an estimated €345 billion in infrastructure investment alone. For a 250 km/h option by 2050, this rises to €546 billion. Closing this financing gap will require coordinated action at both European and national level, together with stronger participation from private investors. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for financing high-speed rail infrastructure and rolling stock in the European Union. Public funding will remain indispensable. At the same time, innovative models are creating attractive opportunities for long-term investment.
Today’s discussions feed into the preparation of the future EU High-Speed Rail Financing Strategy and a High-Speed Rail Deal in 2026. (....)