35 million people.
16 million employees.
One rail connection.
A rail axis connecting Europe
The ‘Main Line for Europe’ is much more than an infrastructure project – it is THE lifeline for the European economic area, our cultural regions and for a sustainable, connected continent. Wherever there are efficient cross-border rail connections, regions develop dynamically, in a climate-friendly and future-oriented manner.
From Paris via Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Munich and Vienna to Bratislava and Budapest, the ‘Main Line for Europe’ connects some of Europe’s most important cities and regions – across borders, cultures and languages.
Around 35 million people live and over 16 million work along this development axis – in innovation centres, flourishing economic areas and exceptional cultural regions. They all need modern, safe and sustainable mobility – in their everyday lives and in their interactions with one another.
The ‘Main Line for Europe’ is not a single infrastructure project, but is growing step by step through many new construction and expansion measures that are coming together to form an efficient corridor in the centre of Europe.
Our vision:
Strong railways for Europe's future
We see the ‘Main Line for Europe’ not as a promise, but as a mission. This requires concrete steps: we are committed to eliminating bottlenecks and expanding efficient infrastructure – for example, through barrier-free stations, multimodal terminals, a continuous 740-metre freight train network, and the introduction of the European Train Control System (ERTMS). Night train services between Paris and Budapest, integrated timetables, and improved connections across the region are, in our view, the key to European mobility that is suitable for everyday use, climate-friendly, and attractive.
Our goal:
An intelligently networked mobility with cross-modal ticketing and coordinated hubs.
We focus on coordination across administrative levels, active dialogue with science and civil society, and exchange between companies, politicians, and local authorities.
Together with our members and partners, we are highlighting the importance of rail for achieving climate targets – through transparent communication, strong networks, and broad public relations work on the ground. In this way, the ‘Main Line for Europe’ is becoming a sustainable axis of a climate-friendly, networked Europe – today and for future generations.
latest news
We are committed to the sustainable development of the European Paris–Budapest/Bratislava corridor. In this section, you will find industry background information, current news, and press releases related to the “Main Line for Europe”.
Bundestag Receives Plans for the Ulm–Augsburg Railway Expansion
The Federal Ministry of Transport submitted the plans of Deutsche Bahn for the Ulm–Augsburg project to the Bundestag on January 29, 2026, for approval. This marks the beginning of the parliamentary review, a crucial step
Electric rail service between Vienna and Bratislava launched
Since 11 October 2025, trains have been running again between Austria and Slovakia – fully electric for the first time. The commissioning of the modernised Marchegg East Railway marks an important step towards sustainable mobility
Night train services on the ‘Magistrale’ must not be cancelled
The cities along the Upper Rhine and the initiative Main Line for Europe e.V. have reacted with great dismay to the announcement that night train services from Paris to Berlin and Vienna are to be
We have been involved in the Main Line for Europe e.V. initiative for many years because I am firmly convinced that good connections between our region and the European rail network are much more than just a duty – they are a locational advantage, create jobs, connect Europe and are a practical example of climate protection.’
– Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup,
Chairman of Main Line for Europe e.V.
Über Mainline For Europe
Cooperation that makes a difference
Main Line for Europe e.V. is backed by committed cities, regional associations, chambers of industry and commerce, and federal states – supported by a tri-national board and coordinated by a dedicated office in Karlsruhe. Through smart networking in the regions, joint projects, and political presence, we are making concrete progress in expanding the Paris-Budapest/Bratislava development axis. Our strengths: constructive dialogue, a clear stance and an eye for the big picture.
Our publications
Here you can download all publications by Main Line for Europe e.V., from position papers and studies to our annual reports.
