EU unveils high-speed rail plan

The European Commission has unveiled an ambitious 345-billion-euro plan to connect European capitals with high-speed rail by 2040. 

The initiative aims to provide citizens with a more affordable, sustainable, and efficient alternative to air and road travel, while helping reduce carbon emissions across the continent.

Under the plan, travel times between major cities will be significantly reduced. For example, the current six-hour journey from Zagreb to Budapest could be shortened by nearly two hours, making cross-border travel faster and more convenient for both business and leisure.

European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasized that close collaboration with EU member states, including Croatia, will be key to staying on schedule. “I work every day with all 27 EU member states’ ministers of transport and infrastructure to avoid delays and act quickly,” Tzitzikostas said. “Our goal is to deliver high-speed railways on time, as planned, ensuring this transformative project benefits citizens across Europe.”

The plan is part of the EU’s broader strategy to modernize infrastructure, promote regional connectivity, and support green transportation initiatives as Europe moves toward climate-neutral mobility.