Trans-European high-speed rail network
A European Union–defined network of high-speed railway lines and connections intended to link major cities and integrate national rail systems.
Trans-European Transport Network: The European Union’s framework for coordinating transport infrastructure across member states and neighboring countries. The high-speed rail network is one component of this broader transport framework.
European Train Control System: The train-control component of ERTMS, using standardized signaling and onboard equipment. It is a specific technology used to make trains cross borders without relying on every national signaling system.
Paris–Brussels high-speed rail line: The high-speed railway connection linking Paris and Brussels through northern France and Belgium. It demonstrates how a cross-border corridor connects major European capitals.
Conventional rail: Railway services operating on routes not designed or upgraded for high-speed passenger travel. It remains essential to the wider system but differs in speed, infrastructure, and service purpose.
European single market: The EU economic area in which goods, services, capital, and people can move with reduced internal barriers. Better rail links can support mobility and economic exchange across national borders.
European Union Agency for Railways: The EU agency that supports common railway safety and interoperability rules. Its technical work helps national rail systems operate across network borders.
Track gauge: The distance between the inner faces of the two rails on a railway track. Gauge differences at some borders can require transshipment or specialized rolling stock.
Brussels–Amsterdam high-speed rail line: The high-speed railway route linking Brussels and Amsterdam, including the Dutch HSL-Zuid. It extends international high-speed services between Belgium and the Netherlands.
Air transport in Europe: The movement of passengers and goods by aircraft between European locations. Short-haul aviation competes with high-speed rail on many city pairs.
Modal shift: A change in transport demand from one mode, such as air travel, to another, such as rail. High-speed links can shift some journeys from aircraft and cars to trains.