Post by Tim Dawidowsky

Europe needs high-speed rail – but it does not yet function as a truly European system.   Technology, approval processes, and standards remain largely national. This fragmentation slows innovation, increases costs, and weakens the Single Market.   This was at the heart of our first “Alstom Politik Salon” in Berlin. We brought together voices from industry, academia, and the European Commission to discuss what it takes to make cross-border high-speed rail a reality. Public support for rail investment is strong – but the regulatory framework is not keeping pace.   Having lived and worked in Spain, I have seen how well high-speed rail can function at national level. The challenge now is to make it work just as seamlessly across borders.   I am convinced: with common standards and a more European approach to rail, we can build a mobility network that truly connects our continent.   Thank you to our panellists Matthias Müller, Jane Oispuu and Christian Böttger for the insightful discussion. Many thanks as well to Jana Kugoth for moderating with precision and energy.