Millions of passengers could soon benefit from quicker and more convenient rail travel across Europe, as the UK and Germany today announced the formation of a joint taskforce to explore a new direct rail link between the two nations.
This landmark partnership, formalised as part of a new bilateral treaty signed by the Prime Minister and German Chancellor Merz today, 17th July 2025, is set to pave the way for direct international rail services. Such a connection could significantly boost tourism to the UK, support jobs as outlined in the Plan for Change, and strengthen cross-border trade within the next decade.
This significant step forward underscores both countries’ commitment to enhancing sustainable transport links and fostering collaboration in sustainable, innovative, and universally accessible transport solutions and mobility.
The joint taskforce will bring together transport experts from both governments. Their primary focus will be to identify and address the barriers to establishing direct long-distance rail passenger services, including putting in place the necessary border and security controls. This collaboration aims to support the decarbonisation of transport while simultaneously strengthening connections and boosting trade between the UK and Germany.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We’re pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent. This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today – has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying. A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland. The economic potential is enormous. A direct rail link would support the creation of jobs and strengthen the vital trade links that underpin our economic relationship with Germany. British businesses will have better access to European markets, whilst German companies will find it easier to invest and operate in the UK. This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. Working with Germany, we’re building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future.”
The taskforce will meticulously examine commercial and technical requirements, including crucial aspects such as safety standards, border arrangements, and fostering effective collaboration with various rail operators to make direct services a reality.
This partnership builds upon both countries’ existing commitment to decarbonising transport and promoting sustainable mobility solutions across Europe. It also follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding earlier this year between the Transport Secretary and Swiss Federal Councillor, Albert Rösti, which is laying the groundwork for future commercial services to Switzerland.
