By 2029, a faster train connection between Luxembourg City and Brussels will finally be operational. Mobility ministers Yuriko Backes and Jean-Luc Crucke reaffirmed their commitment to completing the project, which has faced years of delays.

The main challenge? Money. Luxembourg and Belgium have debated cost-sharing, with repeated calls for EU contributions. Infrastructure costs have soared, with the project now estimated at €750 million. Luxembourg has completed its €100 million upgrades, while Belgium's work has taken longer. Since 2007, the EU has provided €132 million in funding.

Why not just introduce a faster train on existing tracks? The route has too many curves, outdated infrastructure, and a 130 km/h speed limit, making true high-speed travel impossible. Additionally, Belgium’s SNCB prioritizes local commuters, leading to frequent stops.

A first improvement is set for 2026, with an express train stopping only in Namur, cutting travel time by 20 minutes. The major breakthrough arrives in 2029 with high-speed, direct trains reducing the journey to just two hours—finally making it faster than driving.

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