Switzerland frozen out of EU train plan

Wednesday, 5 May 2021 04:49

Switzerland has been frozen out of a pan-European plan to improve rail connections throughout the continent.

The idea is to make train travel a serious contender to low-cost short-haul flights.

It’s being driven by the EU, but Brussels has now side-lined this country as talks over the proposed new framework agreement have ground to a halt.

Switzerland is currently withholding payments due to the EU’s cohesion fund which is designed to help poorer EU states.

Swiss Federal Railways says it’s willing to be part of the plan – and is prepared to contribute several million francs towards the project.

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