The members of the GroenLinks group lack ambition on the international train. The group states that if we want to fly less and travel shorter distances by train, the offer must improve considerably. More continuous lines connecting the population centers across borders, more HSL connections that can compete with aviation, better alignment with technology and growth agendas.

Fare structures and passenger rights need to be more transparent and better adapted to the traveler and national procurement is now largely ignoring international connections. As far as GroenLinks is concerned, the European Transport Council will have to formulate a solid growth agenda for the European train network. The members ask the minister to make an effort for this.

In response to the Green Deal The government has previously indicated that it is disappointing that passenger transport by rail is not specifically included in the Green Deal. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has drawn up a position paper to put international passenger transport by rail high on the European agenda, so that it will be included as a priority in the further elaboration of the European Green Deal. This position paper has been presented to the European Transport Commissioner and the Executive Vice President for the Green Deal.

The position paper is in line with the Dutch ambitions in the field of international passenger transport by rail. It describes which steps have been taken in recent years, why more and renewed action is needed at European level, and which subjects must be tackled. The Netherlands makes a concrete proposal on how this can be shaped. Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen has promised to inform the Lower House this spring about the progress of the international railway file.

Also read: Call from six companies to Frans Timmermans