"Restoring the 1960s European rail network (the Trans-Europ-Express or Trans-European Express), which connected the "most important" European capitals, would be a step towards a carbon-neutral European Union by 2050." This is stated in a report by the German government.

The significant rise in domestic and short-haul flights has created a situation where 149 of the 365 existing cross-border rail routes have been closed or are underutilised. Rail representatives estimate that they are used by only 8% of passengers in the EU.

A joint report by environmental organisations from Germany, Poland, Spain and France, produced with financial support from the German Ministry of the Environment, states that direct train services, for instance between Paris and Berlin, would make a huge contribution to reducing carbon emissions.