Transport ministers of the Czech Republic and Spain convened in Prague to address critical developments in European rail systems and EU rail infrastructure funding for the coming budgetary cycle. The meeting took place between Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik and Spanish Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Óscar Santiago Puente.
The EU rail infrastructure funding negotiations concentrated on the new EU multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, high-speed rail expansion, freight rail operations, and the competitive position of Europe’s railway industry.
A central point of agreement between both officials centered on the importance of maintaining robust support for transport infrastructure through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF III). The Czech Republic and Spain both advocate for adequate financing within the upcoming budget framework.
Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik said, “The development of transportation infrastructure is one of the key prerequisites for Europe’s continued economic growth, competitiveness, and security. That is why we consider it essential that the Connecting Europe Facility have sufficient financial resources in the next budget period as well.”
“The Czech Republic and Spain share many common interests in this area, and we intend to cooperate closely during negotiations on the future shape of CEF III,” he added.
Advancing High-Speed Rail Networks
Ministers dedicated substantial portions of their discussion to the advancement of high-speed railway lines. The Czech Republic continues preparation of a backbone network of high-speed connections designed to link major economic centers within the country to European transport corridors. Spain, home to one of Europe’s most extensive high-speed rail networks, offers valuable partnership potential for sharing practical experience and technical expertise. To facilitate this collaboration, both nations agreed to establish a specialized working group dedicated to railway transport advancement.
“Spain has long been among the European leaders in the construction of high-speed rail lines and has succeeded in implementing these projects at very competitive costs per kilometer. One of the reasons is the high degree of standardization of technical solutions and the use of standardized designs. It is precisely in this area that I see room for inspiration for the Czech Republic as well,” said Czech Minister of Transport Ivan Bednárik.
Freight Rail Transport and Industry Competitiveness
The ministers also examined the current state of freight rail operations, where Spain recently demonstrated support for Czech Republic’s initiative aimed at reversing Europe’s long-term decline in rail freight market share during the previous Council of Transport Ministers discussions.
A significant area of focus involved enhancing the competitive position of Europe’s rail industry. The Czech Republic aligns with Spain’s efforts to advance EU-level streamlining of approval, certification, and authorization procedures that currently extend timelines for new rail vehicle deliveries and impede technological innovation implementation.
Spanish authorities reported that delays in European rail vehicle deliveries typically extend between two and a half to three years.
Strengthening Czech-Spanish Transport Cooperation
Both ministers concluded their meeting by recognizing the long-standing constructive cooperation between the Czech Republic and Spain, reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue on issues that will shape European transportation and mobility frameworks in coming years.
