The European Commission on 2026-05-13 proposed rules to make cross-border rail travel easier in the EU by letting passengers buy one ticket for one journey, including trips run by more than one operator. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The package would require major rail operators to sell rival tickets on their websites and share data with booking platforms so passengers can compare and book international journeys more easily. Commission officials said the goal is to make rail travel across all 27 EU member states simpler and more passenger-friendly. [1, 2, 3, 4]
EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said, “Europeans will be able with the click of a button to plan, compare and purchase multimodal journeys across borders while benefiting from stronger rail passenger rights, greater transparency and better protection every step of the way.” He also said, “Freedom of movement is one of Europe's greatest achievements. Today, we are taking it a step further by making travel across all 27 member states simpler, smarter and more passenger friendly.” [1, 2]
The proposal would also strengthen passenger rights when connections are missed. It would require assistance and reimbursement or rerouting, and could include food and accommodation depending on the circumstances. [1, 4]
Rail operators strongly opposed the plan, calling it regulatory overreach and interventionism. Alberto Mazzola of the rail group CER said, “I'm not aware of any case where somebody is obliged to sell the product of a competitor. Think about Lufthansa obliged to sell Ryanair.” [1, 2, 3]
The Commission said the changes are meant to work before the end of its current mandate in 2029. The proposal still needs approval from EU member states and the European Parliament before it can become law. [1, 2, 3, 4]
