Key Facts

• The European Commission plans to expand high-speed rail to reduce travel times across Europe by 2040.
• By 2030, travel from Berlin to Copenhagen will be four hours, down from seven.
• By 2035, travel from Sofia to Athens will take six hours instead of nearly 14.
• Cross-border routes will connect major cities, including Paris and Lisbon.
• The rail network will allow trains to travel at speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph).
• The initiative aims to ease congestion, boost rail capacity, and improve regional services.
• It also seeks to strengthen security by enabling quicker movement of military and civilian goods.
• The plan supports the EU's goals to be carbon-neutral by 2050.