The Sixth Integrated Progress Report of the Ministerial Platform on International Rail Passenger Transport (IRP) was presented at the meeting of the EU Transport Council on 8 June, by the Austrian and Dutch delegations.
The IRP Platform was established following a 2020 ministerial declaration to improve international and cross-border passenger rail services across Europe. It brings together EU Member States, along with Norway and Switzerland, while the United Kingdom participates as an observer. The platform is supported by sector parties including RailNetEurope (RNE) and consumer organisations including the European Passengers’ Federation (EPF). It also involves representatives of the European Commission, European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and Europe’s Rail.
Monitoring the development of the international rail passenger market
International rail passenger services in Europe are growing, with a 22.5% rise in cross-border connections in 2026 across high-speed, regional, night, and Intercity trains. New routes and operators are entering the market, and investment in cross-border rolling stock is increasing.
However, international services still lag behind domestic services in terms of frequency, speed, capacity and reliability. The IRP has therefore continued to focus on addressing practical bottlenecks and provides a forum for Member States and sector stakeholders to exchange experiences and support bilateral and multilateral initiatives.
IRP Platform recommendations
The text sets out priorities to strengthen European international rail by 2040:
- Develop a 2040 European target network for international rail passenger services
- Improve passenger-friendly rail ticketing and stronger passenger rights
- Coordinate cross-border capacity management
- Reduce barriers to rolling stock investment
- Shift from isolated pilots to a coordinated corridor approach.
➡️ Read all IRP integrated progress reports here:
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