Mind the gap: This conviction is what unites the citizens’ initiatives, regional representatives, companies and decision makers that gathered today at an event organised in Brussels by the Greens. [1] They took stock of progress made on bridging „Missing Links“ in cross-border rail. Michael Cramer, initiator of the project and Member of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament for the Greens, commented:

„This is what Europe can do: Unite people across borders. Smaller rail links offer sustainable mobility for people in border regions, providing great value at little cost.

We celebrated a first in EU history: For the first time ever the European Commission is now supporting targeted investments in small cross-border rail links. [2] The idea was initially put forward by the Greens and then gained strong support from the Committee of the Regions. The demand from Europe’s regions was so high that the budget was raised from 110 to 140 million euros. [3]

One of the projects presented today receives financial support from the EU for the Missing Link between Pau in France and Zaragoza in Spain. One of Europe’s largest station buildings is waiting for its revival high up in the Pyrenees.

We also showcased several very promising projects today. Their initiators hope the EU will support such initiatives in the future, too. This is why it is good news that the responsible Director at the European Commission today promised that they would support further funding rounds.

The sad reality still is that Europe’s railways remain a patchwork. Despite EU investments worth billions of euros, there are still numerous Missing Links along national borders.”

[1] You can find the recording of the event and the document here.

[3] Background information on the Missing Links projects can be found here.