As Europe starts to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, politicians are debating new financial incentives to help boost the economy once travel returns. One such proposal, released by economic think tank Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, includes a plan for an ultra rapid train network connecting European capitals that halves the current journey times and might make flying these routes obsolete.

 

By reducing the need for flying as well as the number of vehicles on the road, this proposal could help reduce Europe’s carbon footprint while connecting under-served capital cities and potential EU member states, especially in the southeastern part of the continent.