The report argues that investment in infrastructure alone will not be enough to create a genuinely European high-speed rail network. Market reforms will also be required to improve efficiency, strengthen competition and make services more accessible to passengers.
The initiative builds on the European Commission communication of 5 November 2025. It aims to move the roadmap towards more concrete commitments for EU Member States.
EU priorities for high-speed rail
The development of high-speed rail supports several wider European Union priorities, including territorial cohesion, industrial competitiveness, climate neutrality and strategic autonomy.
From a connectivity perspective, the objective is to strengthen links between major cities and more isolated regions. At the same time, network development is expected to support Europe’s rail industry.
Rail also forms part of the EU’s effort to reduce transport emissions. In addition, stronger rail connectivity can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels for journeys across the continent.
ALLRAIL calls for fairer access to finance
ALLRAIL, the alliance representing independent passenger rail operators in Europe, welcomed the position taken by the TRAN Committee. It placed particular emphasis on creating a level playing field between established state-owned operators and new market entrants.
One of its main priorities is the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB). ALLRAIL is calling for clearer support to help new operators finance the purchase or leasing of rolling stock.
The organisation also supports targeted EU funding instruments. These would help operators invest in trains under fair commercial conditions.
Another priority is a more transparent and accessible market for second-hand rolling stock. According to ALLRAIL, better access to existing trains could increase the number of available services more quickly.
In addition, the alliance is calling for non-discriminatory access to maintenance facilities and other essential support infrastructure.
Competition seen as essential to network growth
For ALLRAIL, the future of high-speed rail depends on both infrastructure investment and the way the market operates.
Nick Brooks, Secretary General of ALLRAIL, said:
"Europe’s ambitions for high-speed rail transport depend on both infrastructure and healthy competition. The European Parliament’s call must now be translated into concrete and substantive measures."
The debate around high-speed rail is therefore moving beyond the construction of new lines. Financing, access to rolling stock, maintenance infrastructure and market conditions are increasingly becoming central elements of Europe’s rail agenda.
