Scandria Alliance, together with the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, will host an international webinar focusing on the future of cross‑border high‑speed rail connections in Europe. The event highlights key long‑term Nordic transport initiatives, including a proposed fixed western connection between Turku and Stockholm.
The webinar is part of the broader EU‑level discussion on transport policy. Last November, the European Commission introduced its vision for a European high‑speed rail network aimed at creating fast connections between major urban regions by 2040. The Helsinki–Turku Länsirata (One‑Hour Train) project forms part of this network. Martin Zeitler from the Commission’s Directorate‑General for Mobility and Transport will present the Commission’s plan.
The webinar will also explore the Nordic Capitals Railway – A More Connected Nordic Region, a Stronger Europe report, published in December, which outlines a vision for a high‑speed rail connection linking Helsinki, Stockholm and Oslo. Vesa Palander, Director of Economic Development at the City of Turku, will present the report’s insights. In addition, Jonas Karlsson, CEO of Oslo–Stockholm 2.55, will provide an update on plans for a fast rail connection between Oslo and Stockholm.
The discussion will be moderated by Regional Mayor Jyri Arponen of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland.
Scandria Alliance is a European network of regions and cities working to advance sustainable transport infrastructure and cross‑border cooperation, with particular emphasis on the Scandinavian–Mediterranean transport corridor.
The webinar will be held on 17 April 2026 from 11:00 to 12:30 (Finnish time). Participation is free of charge but requires advance registration.
