Spain to Invest Heavily in Cross-Border Rail, Boosts TEN-T & CEF Funding

Spain’s Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility has underscored the government’s firm commitment to enhancing cross-border rail connectivity and advancing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) through significant investments in the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors. This pledge, articulated at a high-level European Union Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels, highlights a bolstered €50 billion budget for the European transport sector under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), effectively doubling previous funding allocations.

Strategic Impact

The Spanish government’s proactive stance on developing the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors is pivotal for strengthening both national and pan-European rail infrastructure. These corridors are identified as crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity with neighboring countries and the broader European Union. The substantial increase in CEF funding, doubling to over €50 billion, signals a significant push towards realizing these ambitious transport goals. Beyond civilian transport, the corridors are recognized for their strategic importance in supporting military mobility objectives, underscoring their dual-use nature and the potential for significant civil infrastructure modernization alongside defense preparedness. Achieving unified European connectivity, particularly on the Iberian Peninsula, is a central tenet of this strategy.

High-Speed Network Expansion

Spain’s long-standing dedication to its high-speed rail network, spanning over three decades, is further amplified by its support for the new EU High-Speed Plan. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Madrid-Lisbon line, a project deemed essential for the Iberian Peninsula’s integration into Europe’s high-speed network. This line not only promises to enhance connectivity but is also designed to encourage a modal shift towards rail, thereby reducing emissions and contributing to the EU’s climate targets. The European Commission’s adoption of the implementation plan for the Madrid-Lisbon line on October 30, 2025, with unanimous member state approval, sets a clear roadmap for its development.

Operational Details and Timelines

The ambitious Madrid-Lisbon high-speed line is slated for phased completion. By 2030, sections utilizing high-speed and mixed-use lines are anticipated to be operational, reducing travel time between the two capitals to five hours. Full project completion by 2034 will further decrease this journey to a mere three hours, with the line spanning a total of 600 km. This development necessitates the implementation of advanced technologies and infrastructure upgrades across both Spain and Portugal.

Technical Specifications

• Madrid-Lisbon Line: Total length of 600 km.
• Target Speeds: Up to 250 km/h on upgraded sections.
• Freight Capacity: Circulation of freight trains with a length of 750 m and a capacity of 1,400 tons.
• Signaling: Installation of ETCS Level 2 and ERTMS systems.
• Electrification: Compatible with European standards.

Portugal’s Contributions

In Portugal, key developments for the Madrid-Lisbon line include the Évora–Caia high-speed line, integrated within the Southern International Corridor. This segment is undergoing upgrades including station extensions, ETCS Level 2 installation, and electrification to support 250 km/h speeds and enhanced freight capabilities. The project has secured €235 million in CEF funding, with high-speed train traffic expected to commence next year and ERTMS installation between Évora and Elvas to be completed in 2027. Further south, the Poceirão-Bombel line is being modernized and doubled, with work commencing in 2026 and operational readiness anticipated by late 2029/early 2030. This includes a 30 km extension to the line.

Spain’s Progress and Investment

Spain is advancing the Madrid-Lisbon high-speed line through the Extremadura–Madrid HSR corridor, which has received €750 million in European funding over the past decade. King Felipe VI inaugurated the first 150 km section between Plasencia and Badajoz in 2022, a project that saw an investment of €1.7 billion. The subsequent Plasencia–Talayuela section (70 km) is currently slated for electrification. The full Extremadura–Madrid high-speed line measures 437 km, comprising three sections, with the Madrid–Oropesa segment (200 km) still in the planning phase. A critical cross-border element involves the planned completion of ETMS installation between Elvas (Portugal) and Badajoz (Spain) by the end of 2028. This line, part of the Atlantic Corridor, represents an investment plan of €3.8 billion.

Dual-Use Infrastructure and Funding Needs

The Secretary of State also highlighted the strategic importance of the military mobility package, emphasizing how investments in dual-use infrastructure, primarily along the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, yield substantial benefits for civil transport, logistics, and overall connectivity. While the current CEF funding for the military component is acknowledged, the official stressed the need for additional national and European budget allocations to fully cover identified needs and ensure the functionality and efficiency of these critical infrastructures. These investments are framed not only as a defense imperative but as a catalyst for modernizing Europe’s transport networks, fostering resilience, efficiency, and economic growth across the continent.
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