Railways
Railway rights reform falls flat
A long-awaited update to the EU’s train passenger rights codex was finally brokered on Thursday (1 October) but the agreement has left consumer groups and rail advocates more than disappointed.
The Channel Tunnel: the other Brexit border?
On 8 October 2020, the European Parliament approved legislation to ensure safe Channel Tunnel operations post-Brexit transition. In addition to COVID-19, Brexit will have far-reaching consequences for cross-Channel border connections. History highlights what is at stake.
Aviation is an irreplaceable force for good in the world
Aviation’s precious role in society is at risk, as borders remain closed and influential voices in Europe call for permanent curbs on flying, warns Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Eurotunnel on track for Brexit disruption as talks falter
The UK government was accused on Tuesday (22 September) of failing to ensure the cross-Channel rail link can continue to operate after the Brexit transition is over, while EU officials are yet to confirm their plans for the tunnel.
Rail boosted by EU transport chiefs as TEE 2.0 planned
EU transport ministers pledged to give more attention to international rail freight and consider plans that would relaunch the Trans-Europ Express network, during a meeting of minds on Monday (21 September).
Carbon market’s free perks need rethink, insists EU watchdog
The EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) of offering free pollution permits needs to be reviewed and aligned more closely with climate policy if the bloc wants to reap its full benefits, the European Court of Auditors said on Tuesday (15 September).
Swiss-Austrian alliance plans night-train boost by 2024
New night-train services linking Switzerland with Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rome are going to roll out by 2024, a Swiss-Austrian rail operator alliance announced on Tuesday (15 September).
Energy firm turns to rocket science in bid to green transport
French energy company Engie is teaming up with aerospace firm the ArianeGroup to steal a march on its rivals in the hydrogen production business, by drawing on expertise gained through Europe’s space programme.
Liechtensteiners say ‘nein’ to new railway
Liechtenstein voters on Sunday (30 August) opposed plans to fund a new international rail link between Austria and Switzerland, which is supposed to pass through the tiny Alpine principality. Over 60% voted no during a national referendum.
Belgium’s free corona-busting rail pass opens to applicants
A Belgian government plan to boost domestic tourism got up and running on Monday (31 August), as applications for a free railway pass finally opened after a delay of a few months.
Transport timetable: What’s moving in late 2020
Europe's transport sector, already hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, faces a crucial and possibly defining end to 2020. EU and global targets will start to bite, while new technologies will face a challenging acid test.
EU clears creation of world’s second-largest trainmaker
The European Commission on Friday (31 July) signed off on a merger between French trainmaker Alstom and the rail arm of Canadian firm Bombardier, setting a number of competition criteria in the process.
E-trains gain upper hand over hydrogen locomotives
Rail operators could make big savings by choosing electric battery power over hydrogen fuel cells when replacing diesel engines, a new study has suggested, although the ever-changing price of energy means the jury is still out on the best power source.
Spain agrees on terms to open up railway market
Spain's competition watchdog approved criteria on Thursday (23 July) which will allow private companies to compete with state-owned rail operator Renfe's medium-distance and local services, while safeguarding its financial stability.
Sweden’s night train to Brussels to debut in 2022
The Swedish government announced on Thursday (23 July) night train routes that will link the cities of Stockholm and Malmö with Hamburg and Brussels, in the latest indication that sleeper services are on the cusp of a renaissance in Europe.
Alstom offers factory sale in return for Bombardier merger approval
France’s TGV high-speed train maker Alstom on Thursday (9 July) offered to sell a French rail factory and make other concessions to win European Commission approval for its planned purchase of Bombardier Inc’s transportation business.
Air France’s promise to nix domestic flights: Not good enough for the environment
Air France's pledge to end some of its domestic flights in return for billions of euros in government aid is a weak contribution to climate action, as weak railway infrastructure stands in the way of a plane-to-train shift. EURACTIV France reports.
Dutch sign Eurostar treaty, reducing London journey time
The governments of the Netherlands, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom signed on Tuesday (7 July) an updated version of the Eurostar treaty, which will streamline border checks and shave a full hour off the Amsterdam-London journey time.
Austria’s trains take over short-haul flight route
Austrian Airlines will cease operating its Vienna-Salzburg route, the flag-carrier announced on Thursday (2 July). Instead, the service will be replaced by more direct trains, in an effort to honour the terms of the government's recent bailout deal.
Alstom ready to sell assets to get EU merger approval
French TGV high-speed train maker Alstom is prepared to sell assets to secure early EU antitrust approval for its bid for Bombardier Inc's rail division, people familiar with the matter said.
Bikes and trains, the tandem to tackle the climate crisis
Bicycles and trains have become the mobility keystone of the ‘new normal’ with great potential for the green European recovery. The EU must ensure they go hand-in-hand, according to the European Cyclists Federation.
Trains vital to virus recovery, passenger rights shouldn’t be left at the station
Europe's railways are due a resurgence thanks to a combination of increased climate and health awareness. But the rules governing train travel need serious review in order to convince people to ride the rail instead of choosing the car or to fly, writes Ursula Pachl.
UK jumps on hydrogen railwagon
The UK government will fund the development of hydrogen trains, with researchers zeroing in on the final stages of a project aimed at cleaning up isolated parts of the British railway network.
‘Brussels has everything needed’ to be Europe’s night-train hub, say rail advocates
Belgium's capital has all the attributes needed to establish itself as Europe's hub for night-trains, according to a group in favour of resurrecting the services, which also sees the coronavirus crisis and the EU Green Deal as opportunities for rail's most romantic of journeys.