The EU Commission aims to create a cohesive European network of high-speed trains and highlights a significantly shorter travel time between Copenhagen and Berlin. However, in a new memo to the Danish Parliament's Transport Committee and European Affairs Committee, the Danish government warns against underestimating both the costs and the practical challenges on the railway.
In the so-called basic and proximity memo from the Ministry of Transport, the government describes the EU Commission's plan as a fascinating vision, but at the same time as very costly and ambitious in terms of time. The government believes that the proposal does not adequately address the strained condition of the railway in many European countries.
The Fehmarn connection is highlighted in the memo as a concrete Danish example of how better cohesion in the European railway corridors can provide significant benefits. According to the Commission's calculations, the travel time between Berlin and Copenhagen can be reduced from around seven to four hours when the Fehmarn connection and the necessary land facilities are in place.
Decades to implement
At the same time, the government raises a clear warning against repeating past mistakes. The memo points out that the rollout of the common European signalling system ETCS has failed significantly. The system was supposed to be fully implemented by 2030, but today covers less than 20% of the railway network in Europe, and Danish experiences show that implementation can take decades.
The government therefore urges the EU Commission to prioritise the maintenance and completion of already decided railway projects before embarking on new, large high-speed initiatives.
