Railways

High hopes as Austria’s new night train sets off for Brussels

The first night train to set off for Belgium in 16 years departed from Vienna Sunday (19 January), carrying Austrian and European politicians who hope the new route can set an example as the continent tries to meet its climate targets.

Turkey’s railways set for EBRD boost

Europe’s Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects to increase its €1 billion of investment in Turkey in the coming year, with railways slated to get a funding boost.

Deutsche Bahn’s credit rating boosted thanks to German climate law

Germany’s railway service has had its credit rating score raised in response to a new climate law that will levy air and road travel, while cutting VAT for train journeys, in what has been hailed as a first in Europe.

Budapest-Belgrade railway: Orbán flirts with China

Hungary has signed a deal with China to modernise the railway link between Budapest and Belgrade. The project - the first major Chinese infrastructure deal inside the EU - aims to facilitate the distribution of goods arriving at the Chinese-owned port of Piräus, but critics say it might be a waste of taxpayer money.

In setback for 5-Star, Italy’s PM backs completion of rail link with France

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Tuesday (23 July) that blocking works on a rail link with France would cost Italy more than completing the infrastructure, taking a stance on an issue that has divided the government coalition for months.

Transport committee chair: The aim is to put climate on political agenda in all sectors

In an interview with EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement, the newly elected chair of the European Parliament's committee on transport and tourism (TRAN), French Green MEP Karima Delli, spoke about her new priorities. These include relaunching the rail system, regulating transport in a climate-friendly manner and reducing car pollution.

Five transport policies that could build thriving cities

Accessibility within cities hasn't become better despite urban planners' best efforts. Creative solutions are needed to create better interconnected and concentrated cities, write Sarah Colenbrander and Catarina Heeckt.

Elections reignite France-Italy rail tunnel debate

Election results on either side of the Alps have further complicated an already complex and controversial railway project between France and Italy, as political allegiances and support for the tunnel have shifted. A proposed 270km-long train link between Lyon and...

Jet fuel tax hopes lifted by leaked EU report

Aviation carbon emissions would fall by 11% or 16.4 million tonnes if the EU were to scrap jet fuel’s tax derogation, according to a leaked European Commission study.

‘One Belt, One Road, One Million’: Rail chief plans to connect Europe to China

The 'New Silk Road' has the potential to make trade between China and Europe more competitive by rail than by sea. EURACTIV Germany spoke to transport boss Alexey Grom about the development of the Eurasian railway project, the 'New Silk Road' and its expansion towards Europe.

Italy and France reconcile after Macron’s harsh late-night comments

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte appeared to have found common ground on long-standing bilateral issues, overcoming the risk of another rift after Macron said Italy's attempts to discuss national problems on the sidelines of an EU summit were "a waste of time".

First truck completes Europe-China delivery in 12 days

The first overland delivery of European goods bound for China arrived safe and sound last week, in a good omen for Europe's hopes of making the East Asian superpower's ambitious Belt and Road initiative a two-way street.

Italy’s 5-Star tries to undermine tunnel to France

Italy’s transport ministry insisted on Tuesday (12 February) that a planned railway tunnel underneath the Alps to France would be a waste of money, in what could ratchet up tensions between Rome and Paris.

Visegrad express railway project unveiled

Four Central European countries announced Monday (1 October) a plan to build a high-speed rail link between Budapest and Warsaw, said Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter  Szijjártó.

Italy calls into question costly Lyon-Turin rail link

Italy's new infrastructure minister denounced on Tuesday (24 July) an ambitious, transalpine rail link as an enormous waste of public money and said he wanted to re-negotiate the project with neighbouring France.

EU’s high-speed rail plan is ineffective, unrealistic, say Auditors

The EU’s long-term plan for a high-speed rail network is unlikely to be achieved and there is no solid EU-wide strategic approach, according to a highly critical report by the European Court of Auditors released on Tuesday (26 June).

The Channel Tunnel: What economic value to European trade?

The Channel Tunnel provides a fast, frequent and reliable route accounting for €138 bn of trade and 21 million passengers each year. It has changed the way transport and logistics operate across the continent.

Eighteen-year-olds must pass quiz on European culture to receive free travel tickets

Eighteen-year-olds will need to pass a six-question quiz about European history and culture to receive free Interrail train or plane tickets, as part of a €700 million project that’s set to start next month.

‘Free Interrail for all young Europeans’ campaign gathers pace

The growing #FreeInterrail campaign calls for an EU program granting a free Interrail pass to all young Europeans. It's a widely supported idea that could to a certain extent be taken up by the EU. EURACTIV’s partner Ouest-France reports.

Riding the train from Beijing to Vienna (in 2033)

The idea of travelling by train from Beijing via Moscow to the Austrian capital has long been an unlikely far-flung dream. But in 15 years, the Trans-Siberian railway could indeed reach the gates of Vienna. EURACTIV Germany reports from Vienna.

‘Don’t forget rail’ in Brexit talks, urge UK industry leaders

The European rail network ferries millions of us to and from work every day. Yet rail representatives felt compelled to plead 'don't forget rail' in Brussels this week, saying it was at the bottom of all priority lists despite growing concerns over the expected impact of Brexit.

What will Brexit mean for Europe’s railways? Exploring ‘EU27’ perspectives

Until Brexit negotiations between the UK and EU conclude, all industry sectors, including rail, face uncertainty about future relations.

China strengthens grip on Central Europe and Balkans at Budapest summit

A 16+1 summit of the Central and Eastern European Countries and China took place yesterday (27 November) in Budapest, hosted by the Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán. His Bulgarian colleague Boyko Borissov announced that next years’ summit will take place in Sofia.