Following a meeting in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala have announced plans to significantly expand rail services between Germany and the Czech Republic. The leaders emphasized the importance of creating “even closer transport links” to bolster economic ties.
Chancellor Merz highlighted the potential for improvements, stating that a particular focus will be on railway connections. Prime Minister Fiala elaborated on these plans, specifically mentioning the ambition to develop a high-speed rail link between Dresden and Prague. The envisioned upgrade would reduce the total travel time between Prague and Berlin to just two hours. Further enhancements to connections leading towards Munich are also planned.
The expansion of transport links is intended to capitalize on the significant economic possibilities within the existing trade relationship between the two nations. Chancellor Merz underscored that the Czech Republic remains a “vital trading partner” for Germany. Prime Minister Fiala reiterated the need to move beyond permanent border controls to facilitate smoother transit and cooperation.