European Union plans high-speed rail network across Europe

The European Union is working to implement a high-speed railway network designed to significantly reduce travel times between major European capitals. The project, which aims for completion between 2030 and 2040, focuses on both new construction and the modernization of existing lines to increase speeds.

Key proposed improvements include reducing the travel time between Warsaw and Vienna from approximately seven and a half hours to four hours and 15 minutes. Other major connections include shortening the trip from Sofia to Athens to six hours, and reducing the journey from Bucharest to Budapest from 15 hours to roughly six hours and 15 minutes. The plan also suggests new connections between Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.

The European Parliament approved a resolution in October to connect Europe via high-speed rail, building upon the European Commission's action plan. Experts suggest that upgrading existing infrastructure is essential to achieving these goals. In Poland, EU membership has already contributed to rail modernization, with speeds increasing from 120 km/h to 160 km/h or 200 km/h in certain areas.