The European Commission has adopted an implementing decision setting out key milestones and deadlines to complete the high-speed rail connection between Madrid and Lisbon.
This flagship cross-border infrastructure project will significantly enhance connectivity within the European Union. Unanimously supported by Member States, the decision advances the full integration of Portugal and Spain into the European high-speed rail network. By 2030, passengers will be able to travel between the two capitals in about five hours, and by 2034, in just three hours.
The Commission has already supported establishing this railway connection. In Portugal, the new high-speed line “Evora-Elvas” received €235 million from the Connecting Europe Facility. On the Spanish side, different EU investment funds, such as ERDF and RFF, have provided around €750 million support for the high-speed line connecting Extremadura-Madrid since 2014.
This decision is part of a broader effort to accelerate the implementation of cross-border projects under the revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation, reinforcing the EU's commitment to seamless, sustainable, and secure transport. It also represents an important step forward in the EU's vision to connect Europe through high-speed rail. In early November, the Commission will present its plan for a European high-speed network.
