Latest news and stories about high speed rail in europe in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Spanish minister has confirmed plans for the expansion of high-speed rail connections between Spain and Portugal.
Spain and Portugal have formally rejected European Commission proposals to transition their railway networks to the standard European gauge, opting to maintain the Iberian gauge for new high-speed infrastructure to ensure regional connectivity.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocated in Brussels for a 'true transport union,' highlighting the Lisbon-Madrid connection as a key challenge. She noted that the lack of a direct train link between the two capitals results in approximately 40 daily flights, a situation set to change with the completion of a high-speed rail line by 2030 and 2034. Brussels estimates that a unified European transport network could boost the EU's GDP by 2.4% by 2030.
The Atlantic Axis organisation is calling for the removal of obstacles to the high-speed rail project and the establishment of a shared centre for cross-border wildfire management.
Spanish interests are closely monitoring the development of high-speed rail infrastructure in Portugal.
Portugal will have to justify to Brussels why it decided to proceed with a high-speed line using the Iberian gauge and will request a derogation until 2040 for the connection between Lisbon and Porto.
