The European Commission’s Green Deal proposal aims to steer the economy in a sustainable direction. This includes, in the field of transport, less flying and more international trains, as the responsible European Commissioner Timmermans has made clear on several occasions.

The European Union itself does not run trains, neither does it build High Speed Lines. It depends on national initiatives and railway companies for this. However, the EU has legislative powers. It is currently difficult to book international train tickets, whereas the airline companies have solved these issues decades ago. The EU should enforce measures to ensure a more smooth passenger-friendly booking system. In addition, efforts are needed to improve rail passengers’ rights.

Read more in our statement: How to improve international trains.