Janice R. Andrews
Europe’s railway networks are undergoing a transformation, with high-speed rail leading the charge. According to the latest Eurostat data, the EU’s high-speed railway network has nearly doubled in the past decade, reaching 8,556 km in 2023, up from 5,812 km in 2013. However, the overall railway network has shrunk by 1.3%, raising concerns about the pace of progress. Countries like Czechia, Spain, and France are emerging as leaders in railway growth, but challenges remain in achieving Europe’s clean transport goals.
Czechia: Europe’s Railway Density Champion
Czechia boasts the highest railway network density in Europe, with 123.2 metres of railway lines per square kilometre. This dense network, largely built during the 19th century under the monarchy and expanded during the communist era, reflects the country’s historical prioritization of rail over road transport.
Despite its impressive density, Czechia faces challenges in punctuality, as highlighted by Transport & Environment (T&E). While the country scores well on affordability with low ticket prices, improving reliability is crucial to maintaining its rail system’s effectiveness.
Spain: High-Speed Rail Leader
Spain is at the forefront of high-speed rail expansion in Europe, with 3,190 km of high-speed lines in 2023—a 66% increase since 2013. This growth is partly due to Spain’s access to EU funds, which accounted for nearly half of the bloc’s high-speed rail funding between 2000 and 2017.
Lower construction costs, driven by affordable land and labor, have also played a significant role. Spain’s ability to scale multiple projects simultaneously has further reduced costs, making it a model for efficient high-speed rail development.
France: A Close Contender
France follows closely behind Spain with 2,748 km of high-speed lines, marking a 35% increase since 2013. Known for its pioneering TGV network, France continues to invest in expanding its high-speed rail infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity across the country and beyond.
Uneven Progress Across Europe
While high-speed rail is growing, the overall railway network in Europe has declined by 1.3%, highlighting uneven progress. Countries like Greece (14.0 m/km²) and Finland (19.4 m/km²) have the lowest railway densities, reflecting their lower population densities and geographical challenges.
In contrast, central and northern European countries like Belgium (119.2 m/km²), Germany (109.5 m/km²), and Luxembourg (104.8 m/km²) have high railway densities, driven by population density and freight transport needs.
The Importance of Railway Network Density
High railway density improves accessibility, but it’s not enough on its own. Carlos Rico, rail policy officer at T&E, emphasizes that affordability, reliability, and frequency are critical for a successful rail system. Without these factors, even a dense network may struggle to attract passengers and remain financially sustainable.
Challenges and Opportunities
Europe’s railway network is vital for achieving the continent’s climate and energy goals. Rail accounts for just 0.4% of transport emissions while carrying 7% of passengers, making it a key component of the clean transport transition.
However, the European Court of Auditors has warned that the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is unlikely to meet its targets on time. T&E advocates for increased national funding and prioritization of transnational connections by the European Commission.
The Path Forward
To unlock the full potential of rail, Europe needs a coordinated approach. High-speed rail is important, but it’s not a standalone solution. Increased competition, simplified cross-border ticketing, and the adoption of the European Train Control System (ETCS) are essential for improving connectivity and services without extensive new infrastructure.
As Rico notes, “Rail will contribute to transport decarbonization in coordination with road electrification and clean fuels for aviation and shipping.” By addressing these challenges, Europe can ensure its railway networks remain a cornerstone of sustainable transport for decades to come.
Conclusion
Czechia, Spain, and France are leading the way in Europe’s railway growth, but the continent must accelerate efforts to meet its climate and connectivity goals. With targeted investments and strategic planning, Europe’s railways can become a model for sustainable transport worldwide.
