Railways
Dutch test hydrogen train as EU alliance set to launch
The Netherlands wrapped up testing on its first foray into hydrogen train technology at the weekend, as the European Commission readies a strategy for the clean fuel that will debut on Tuesday (10 March).
Commission wants to declare 2021 the ‘year of rail’
The European Commission said on Wednesday (4 March) that train travel should be given special attention in 2021 as part of the EU executive's Green Deal environmental agenda, suggesting that next year should be the 'European Year of Rail'.
TGV-maker Alstom confirms bid attempt for Canadian rival
French train maker Alstom has confirmed it is in talks on the possible acquisition of the train business of Canada’s Bombardier, a potential €6.5 billion deal that could help it build scale in the increasingly competitive rail sector.
UK approves new high-speed line despite rising costs
Britain said Tuesday (11 February) it will begin full construction work on its new high-speed railway line in April following years of delays, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed the project despite soaring costs.
Eurostar launches direct Dutch link, targets short-haul flights
Cross-Channel rail link Eurostar will operate a return London-Amsterdam service from April, the company announced on Tuesday (4 February), as it aims to up its game against short-haul plane travel. Eurostar has operated a one-way service to Amsterdam from the...
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.