# European Union high-speed rail expansion > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-union-high-speed-rail-expansion > Updated: 2026-11-10T04:55:50.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The European Parliament has adopted a report to accelerate the development of a high-speed rail network across the European Union, aiming for completion between 2030 and 2040. The initiative seeks to connect major capitals, regional urban hubs, and neighboring countries to improve territorial cohesion and provide alternatives to car and air travel. The plan involves both new construction and the modernization of existing lines. Specific goals include reducing travel times for routes such as Warsaw to Vienna, Sofia to Athens, and Bucharest to Budapest. Additionally, the proposal suggests new connections between Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. To support these developments, the report urges member states to identify missing links and under-served cross-border connections, utilizing EU funds like the Connecting Europe Facility. Regional progress is already noted in countries like Romania, which is conducting route studies for connections to Budapest and Sofia, and Poland, where rail modernization has already increased speeds in certain areas. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-10: European Union plans high-speed rail network across Europe The EU aims to build a high-speed rail network by 2040, significantly cutting travel times between major European capitals like Warsaw, Vienna, Sofia, and Athens. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-plans-high-speed-rail-network-across-europe ### 2026-10-20: European Parliament adopts report to expand high-speed rail network The European Parliament has approved a report to accelerate the development of a high-speed rail network by 2040, aiming to connect major cities and regions to reduce reliance on planes and cars. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-parliament-calls-for-integrated-high-speed-rail-network --- Cite as: European Union high-speed rail expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-union-high-speed-rail-expansion