Trans-European high-speed rail network


The Trans-European high-speed rail network, together with the Trans-European conventional rail network, make up the Trans-European Rail network, which in turn is one of a number of the European Union's Trans-European transport networks. It was defined by the Council Directive 96/48/EC of 23 July 1996.
The European Union council decision 2002/735/EC defines technical standards for interoperability of the system.

Description

The aim of this EU Directive is to achieve the interoperability of the European high-speed train network at the various stages of its design, construction and operation.
The network is defined as a system consisting of a set of infrastructures, fixed installations, logistic equipment and rolling stock.
By definition of the EC decision, a high-speed line must have one of these three infrastructure characteristics:
The rolling stock used on these lines must be compatible with the characteristics of the infrastructure.
Along important listed rail routes, the railway shall be of high speed type, either when new parts are built, or when upgrades are made. This creates a quality requirement on these projects.

Corridors