Connecting Europe Days 2026 in Brussels

1 October 2026

During Connecting Europe Days 2026 in Brussels, FS International CEO Luigi Corradi took part in the panel discussion “Connecting Europe through High-Speed Rail – On Track for Implementation?”, focused on the future of European high-speed rail one year after the adoption of the EU High-Speed Rail Strategy. The discussion also featured Kai Tegethoff, Member of the European Parliament, Rachel Picard, CEO of Velvet, Lionel Epely, CEO of LISEA, and Piotr Wyborski, President of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe. The session was moderated by Oana Gherghinescu, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA).

In his remarks, Corradi reaffirmed his support for the European vision of a high-speed rail network capable of connecting the continent’s capitals and major cities. This project aligns with the ambition of the FS Group to contribute to the creation of a true “Metro of Europe”, an increasingly connected and integrated railway network linking countries across the continent.

FS International starts from a position of strength thanks to its extensive experience in developing high-speed rail services, both domestic and cross-border, in Italy, France, Spain and, from summer 2027, Germany. Growing demand continues to demonstrate that rail is increasingly perceived by travellers as the most sustainable, efficient and comfortable mode of transport for medium- and long-distance journeys.

Corradi also addressed the main challenges that the sector must overcome in order to accelerate European rail integration. The standardization of technical regulations and certification processes remains one of the most significant barriers to operating across different EU markets. “To overcome great challenges, you first need to be dreamers,” said the CEO of FS International, emphasizing that technological barriers can be tackled through investment, time and a shared vision. Equally important are issues related to infrastructure access and the reduction of the economic barriers that still slow down the development of international railway services.

Looking ahead, Corradi placed the customer at the heart of the transformation of European rail transport. The goal is to deliver a seamless and comprehensive travel experience, from journey planning and ticket purchase to arrival at the final destination. With this objective in mind, FS International continues to invest in the development of international connections and strategic partnerships, including the initiative launched in Germany, where the Group is already present in regional transport through Netinera. Among the next milestones are high-speed rail services between Milan and Munich and, in the longer term, the potential extension of high-speed connections to other European capitals, helping to make the vision of an integrated European railway mobility system an increasingly tangible reality.