Connecting Europe at High-Speed
High-speed rail (HSR) has emerged as a strategic priority for the future of European transport and regional development.
Fast, modern, and climate-friendly, HSR would be the preferred travel option of 3 in 4 EU citizens if more connections were available, according to a recent survey.
Linking all EU capitals and major cities via HSR will not only cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on air and road transport, but also bring tangible benefits to Europe’s regions, from improved accessibility and connectivity to job creation and quality of life. HSR will also stimulate higher levels of investment and foster growth in Europe’s technological and industrial value chain, driving innovation, and creating long-term economic opportunities across multiple sectors. Both the Draghi and Letta reports call for a European high-speed rail network in support of competitiveness and growth.
With the European Commission about to publish an EU Action Plan on HSR, this event will provide a timely platform to discuss how Europe can secure the necessary political support, regulatory conditions, and funding to make HSR the backbone of sustainable transport.
The event on 5 November 2025 will feature leading voices from the European Parliament, the European Commission, major European cities, and the rail and infrastructure sectors.
Programme
15:30 Welcome by hosting Vice Presidents
15:45 Keynote address
Vincenzo MATANO, Head of Cabinet to Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto
15:55 Message from
Enrico LETTA, President of the Jacques Delors Institute
15:55 Presentation of Joint Declaration
- Hanna ZDANOWSKA, Mayor of Łódź, Member of the European Committee of the Regions
- Alberto MAZZOLA, CER Executive Director, Member of CCMI, the European Economic and Social Committee
16:05 Panel discussion
Moderator: Thomas Lymes, Head of Advocacy, Eurocities
- Dávid VITÉZY, Chair of the Committee for Transport, Climate Action and Urban Development, Budapest City Assembly
- Kristian SCHMIDT, Director Land Transport, European Commission
- Gustavo MARTÍNEZ, Commercial Director, Ferrovial Construction and EIC President
- André RODENBECK, CEO Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility
- Luigi CORRADI, CEO FS International
- Marco KAMPP, Director of international long-distance passenger transport at DB Fernverkehr
16.55 MEP statements & audience questions
Massimiliano SALINI (EPP, IT), Dariusz JONSKI (EPP, PL), Martine KEMP (EPP, LU), François KALFON (S&D, FR), Carlo CICCIOLI (ECR, IT), Arash SAEIDI (The Left, FR)
17.15 Closing remarks
Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism
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Connecting Regions through High-Speed Rail – Part of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025 #EURegionsWeek
The Connecting Europe at High-Speed event has been approved as a session within the 2025 European Week of Regions and Cities, held under the motto “Shaping tomorrow, together.” Contributing to the pillar “Cities Building Tomorrow,” the session will explore how high-speed rail strengthens regional cohesion, supports sustainable mobility, and drives economic growth across Europe. By gathering policymakers, industry leaders, and regional representatives, it aligns with the Week’s goal of fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange for a more connected and forward-looking Europe.