CER Unveils Groundbreaking European High-Speed Rail Master Plan: 54% of Long-Distance Travel by 2070

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has released a comprehensive position paper outlining its strategic vision for transforming Europe's transport landscape through an extensive high-speed rail network. This pivotal document, submitted as input to the European Commission's forthcoming Action Plan for high-speed rail in Europe, presents a roadmap for connecting all EU capitals and major cities through an integrated, continent-wide rail system that promises to revolutionize mobility across the region.

High-Speed Rail: Europe's Sustainable Mobility Solution

With growing demand for efficient long-distance travel options and increasing urgency to address climate challenges, high-speed rail (HSR) has emerged as a strategic priority for European transportation policy. The CER position paper articulates how a robust HSR network could become the backbone of a seamless, modern, and inclusive transport system across the continent.

"High-speed rail represents a unique opportunity to simultaneously address multiple European priorities," noted a transportation policy expert. "It offers a proven solution for decarbonization while enhancing connectivity between regions and stimulating economic development."

The document emphasizes that HSR already stands as the preferred choice for many long-distance travelers due to its compelling combination of speed, comfort, and environmental benefits. Recent studies cited in the paper indicate that with appropriate investment and political commitment, high-speed rail could carry more than half (54%) of Europe's long-distance passengers by 2070—a transformative shift in continental mobility patterns.

Beyond Passenger Transport: Wider System Benefits

The CER position paper highlights that the advantages of expanded high-speed rail infrastructure extend far beyond passenger mobility alone. By creating dedicated corridors for high-speed services, the approach simultaneously liberates capacity on conventional rail networks for enhanced freight and regional passenger services—addressing multiple transportation challenges through a single strategic investment.

This multi-layered benefit structure strengthens the economic case for HSR development, as investments deliver returns across various segments of the transportation ecosystem. Moreover, the paper emphasizes how high-speed connections bring people and regions closer together, supporting economic cohesion and directly advancing the core objectives of the European Green Deal.

"The cascading benefits of high-speed rail investment make it particularly attractive from a policy perspective," commented an infrastructure development specialist. "Each euro invested delivers multiple dividends across the transportation spectrum."

Investment Framework and Funding Solutions

Recognizing that financing represents a critical challenge for infrastructure development of this scale, the CER paper calls for establishing a dedicated EU funding envelope for high-speed rail in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. This approach would provide long-term certainty for project planning while signaling Europe's commitment to rail as a strategic transportation priority.

The position paper advocates for a stronger role for public investment while acknowledging that innovative financing mechanisms can complement traditional funding approaches. The document specifically identifies several potential structures:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private capital and expertise
• Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) models that provide stable returns for infrastructure investment
• Cross-financing mechanisms that redirect revenues from other transport modes

"Creating appropriate funding frameworks is essential for accelerating high-speed rail development," explained a railway finance expert. "The long-term nature of these investments requires stable, predictable funding structures that can survive political cycles."

Cross-Border Compatibility: Addressing the Integration Challenge

The position paper identifies cross-border compatibility as one of the most significant hurdles currently limiting the potential of international high-speed rail services. To ensure truly seamless international travel, CER calls for several specific measures focused on enhancing interoperability:

• Accelerated deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) to create a unified signaling and control system
• Harmonization of national technical and operational rules that currently create border friction
• Development of frictionless international ticketing systems to simplify the passenger experience

The document notes that CER members are already taking proactive steps in the ticketing domain through initiatives like the CER Ticketing Roadmap and the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM), demonstrating the industry's commitment to addressing these challenges from within.

"Technical interoperability remains the foundation of a truly integrated European rail network," noted a rail systems engineer. "Without harmonized standards and systems, we cannot deliver the seamless experience passengers increasingly expect."

Creating Fair Competition Between Transport Modes

A recurring theme throughout the position paper is the need to establish a more balanced competitive environment between different transport modes. The document highlights persistent imbalances in taxation and infrastructure cost recovery between rail, air, and road transport that distort market choices and hamper sustainable mobility development.

CER argues that policy interventions should focus on creating a level playing field where each transportation mode bears its full economic and environmental costs. This approach would naturally enhance the competitive position of rail while advancing broader societal objectives related to climate action and sustainable development.

"When all external costs are properly accounted for, high-speed rail emerges as not only environmentally superior but often economically advantageous," observed a sustainable transportation economist. "Current market distortions mask these inherent advantages."

Industry Leadership and European Ambition

The position paper reflects a high level of ambition from the rail sector, with CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola affirming that high-speed rail can be commercially viable while serving as a cornerstone of a competitive, stronger, greener, and more connected Europe. This vision aligns with priorities identified in the recent Letta Report on the future of the European single market.

The document explicitly endorses the European Union's ambitious target of tripling high-speed rail traffic by 2050 and commits the industry to helping shape a cohesive and achievable European High-Speed Rail Master Plan. This collaborative approach between policymakers and industry stakeholders creates a foundation for translating vision into concrete infrastructure development.

"The rail sector's willingness to embrace ambitious growth targets reflects confidence in the fundamental value proposition of high-speed rail," noted a transportation policy analyst. "With appropriate support frameworks, these targets appear increasingly achievable."

Path Forward: From Vision to Implementation

As the European Commission prepares its Action Plan for high-speed rail, the CER position paper serves as both a vision statement and a practical roadmap for implementation. The document balances aspirational goals with specific policy recommendations designed to overcome existing barriers to HSR development.

The paper concludes by emphasizing that success will require sustained political commitment across multiple election cycles and EU budget periods. By establishing high-speed rail as a strategic priority with dedicated funding mechanisms, Europe can create the necessary continuity to deliver a transformative mobility network over the coming decades.

Transportation experts suggest that the timing of this initiative is particularly favorable, as post-pandemic recovery priorities intersect with heightened climate concerns and renewed interest in strategic infrastructure investment. This convergence creates a potential inflection point for accelerating the development of Europe's high-speed rail network.

With its comprehensive position paper, CER has presented a compelling case for positioning high-speed rail at the center of Europe's future mobility landscape—a vision that promises widespread benefits for citizens, businesses, and communities across the continent while advancing critical sustainability objectives.