Complexities of the European high-speed rail network

9.7.2018

Question for written answer E-003741-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jérôme Lavrilleux (PPE)

In a report published in June, the European Court of Auditors slammed the continuing fragmentation of the European high-speed rail network.

In spite of huge amounts of European co-financing since 2000 (totalling nearly EUR 24 billion), the European network remains compartmentalised as a result of a lack of coordination among the Member States. The authors of the report cited the fact that, although the length of the high-speed rail network was increasing, the objective of a three-fold increase by 2030, totalling 300 000 kilometres, would not be achieved.

Furthermore, the Court of Auditors considers that the installation of a European railway signalling system — indispensable for facilitating and improving the flow of rail traffic in the EU — is progressing too slowly.

1. How will the Commission ensure that, whilst respecting the prerogatives of the Member States, coordination among them improves and they comply with the objectives and timeframes determined at EU level in order to increase the coherence of a more integrated European high-speed rail network?

2. How will the Commission guarantee the added value of the amounts spent on co-financing projects aimed at achieving this?