Czech Republic Fast-Tracks High-Speed Rail with EIB Advisory Support
The Czech Republic is setting its sights firmly on the future of transport, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) stepping in to provide critical advisory support for some of the country’s most ambitious railway projects.
By embracing public-private partnerships (PPP) project finance and leaning on EU-wide strategies, the country aims to reshape its mobility landscape and integrate more deeply into Europe’s high-speed rail corridors.
A Strategic Leap in Rail Connectivity
Správa železnic, the national railway infrastructure manager, has secured EIB advisory services to prepare and procure three high-priority projects. These include a high-speed link connecting Prague to its international airport, as well as the development of the Moravian high-speed corridors linking Brno and Ostrava. Together, these projects are set to strengthen international transport corridors with Germany, Austria, Poland and Slovakia.
This vision is anchored in the Czech Republic’s Rapid Rail Services Development Programme, approved in 2018, and closely aligned with the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation 2024/1679. The effort is also underpinned by Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding for feasibility studies and project planning.
As EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris put it: “The EIB has vast experience in a wide range of public-private partnerships, and we will put it in practice to support the authorities in the Czech Republic to deliver complex PPPs and accelerate the shift to greener, more efficient transport. This strategic partnership reflects our strong commitment to helping Member States deliver sustainable, future-proof infrastructure.”
Transforming Czech Rail Travel
The projects supported by EIB advice promise to change how passengers and freight move across the Czech Republic. The high-speed lines will make train travel more appealing, cut journey times, and relieve conventional rail lines, which will in turn free up capacity for freight transport. Importantly, they will also plug Czechia more effectively into Europe’s expanding network of cross-border high-speed rail corridors.
Správa železnic Director General Jiří Svoboda stressed the importance of these partnerships: “Public-private partnerships represent a valuable tool for delivering strategic infrastructure projects that might otherwise face funding or implementation barriers. EIB’s advisory support is an opportunity to accelerate the modernization of our railway network, especially in strategic areas like high-speed rail. Strengthening our capacity to manage complex PPPs is essential for building a more sustainable, resilient transport system for future generations.”
Spotlight on Priority Projects
The advisory support will focus on three flagship projects, all structured as PPPs:
- Prague–Kladno Line and Airport Connection
A €2.2 billion upgrade linking central Prague to Kladno, with a crucial branch to Václav Havel Airport. The PPP will cover a €1.1 billion section from Prague Veleslavín station to the airport, including improvements to the Praha–Kladno line. This connection will provide a sustainable alternative for air passengers travelling into the city, reducing car dependency and emissions. - High-Speed Moravian Corridor (Brno–Ostrava)
With a projected cost of €7 billion, this 150 km TEN-T high-speed line will revolutionise rail in eastern Czechia. The PPP package includes:- A 50 km Brno–Nezamyslice upgrade allowing speeds of 200 km/h on the Brno–Přerov section.
- A 74 km new-build section between Přerov and Ostrava designed for 320 km/h, with an additional 17 km of connector lines.
As part of the Dresden–Prague–Brno–Vienna/Ostrava–Katowice TEN-T corridors, the Moravian high-speed route will be integral to long-term European connectivity. Investment in this corridor alone is expected to surpass €20 billion, with completion targeted after 2030.
Building Capacity for Complex PPPs
Managing such massive infrastructure projects requires specialist expertise. The EIB advisory assignment, set to run for 27 months, will provide Správa železnic with technical assistance in key areas, including:
- Risk allocation and mitigation
- Output-based performance specifications
- Tender documentation and contract structuring
- Monitoring of PPP concession contracts
This support, delivered free of charge under the InvestEU Advisory Hub, is not only about delivering individual projects but also about embedding long-term PPP know-how within Czech institutions. By doing so, the country will be better positioned to replicate PPP success in future infrastructure investments.
The Wider EIB and EU Context
The EIB, owned by EU Member States, is the Union’s long-term lending arm. It finances projects that drive policy objectives such as digitalisation, climate resilience, defence, agriculture, and social infrastructure. In 2024, the EIB Group signed nearly €89 billion in new financing across 900 projects, mobilising around €350 billion in investments and supporting millions of jobs.
In the Czech Republic alone, the EIB Group signed operations worth €2.47 billion last year. All financing is consistent with the Paris Climate Accord, with a ban on fossil fuel investment. Nearly 60% of annual commitments are directed to climate and environmental sustainability. By 2030, the EIB aims to support €1 trillion in climate-related investment under its Climate Bank Roadmap.
InvestEU, the EU programme behind the advisory support, is designed to simplify access to funding for projects aligned with EU priorities, including the Green Deal and digital transformation. By consolidating existing financial instruments, InvestEU enhances efficiency while mobilising both public and private capital.
Driving Rail Modernisation
As the national railway infrastructure manager, Správa železnic plays a central role in modernising Czech transport. Its mandate covers development, maintenance, and digitalisation of the network, alongside station upgrades and the rollout of high-speed rail. By aligning closely with EU transport and climate strategies, the organisation is helping to decarbonise mobility while boosting cross-border integration.
Recent initiatives under Správa železnic include:
- Major station revitalisations to improve passenger experience
- Digitalisation of railway operations for greater efficiency
- Preparatory work for high-speed rail expansion
With the EIB’s expertise at its side, the organisation is strengthening its ability to deliver complex projects while securing the long-term benefits of modern infrastructure.
A Pathway to Greener, Faster Travel
The Czech Republic’s high-speed ambitions are not just about faster trains—they’re about creating a transport system fit for the 21st century. By connecting airports, cities, and freight corridors, the projects will help cut road congestion, reduce emissions, and offer travellers sustainable alternatives.
The blend of EU backing, EIB know-how, and national commitment signals a future where Czechia is no longer a transit country but a central hub in Europe’s high-speed network.
