Pressure Mounts for EU Rail Revival Amidst Military Needs
As the demand for EU military mobility intensifies and existing rail lines grapple with capacity constraints, momentum is building for the revitalization of the Iron Rhine railway project. A mobility consultant familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that “it’s getting on [the countries’] nerves,” indicating that negotiations are advancing, reports 24brussels.
Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesperson for the Belgian transport ministry, emphasized the project’s political significance, stating, “This project is political. Prime Minister [Bart] De Wever has taken control of the project himself.”
However, not all stakeholders are fully committed to prioritizing the railway’s reactivation. The Dutch government, in particular, remains lukewarm to the initiative. Their section of the railway is relatively minor, given that the parallel Betuwe line already connects Rotterdam to Germany. This reluctance also stems from competitive concerns, as the Port of Antwerp sees the Iron Rhine as a potential threat to the Port of Rotterdam’s regional dominance.
“The Netherlands goes along, but they’d rather sabotage it from the inside,” the consultant remarked. The Dutch government has yet to respond to requests for comment.
In Belgium, there is optimism that the project’s military relevance may hasten its reactivation. Nonetheless, as noted by Welter, “The Netherlands holds the key,” suggesting that cooperation depends on minimal financial impact for the Dutch. “If it costs them little or nothing, they’ll cooperate,” Welter concluded.