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Direct UK-Germany rail link plans advance
Cross-Channel train operator Eurostar and Germany’s state-owned rail operator, Deutsche Bahn (DB), have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at introducing direct rail connections between the UK and Germany.

The companies announced the step on Thursday, amid German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s state visit to the UK.

The MoU aims to establish direct train services between London and major western German cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt.

Such services currently involve a change of trains and operator in Brussels but can usually be purchased as a single ticket from a single vendor.

“This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

The plan foresees the launch of services by the early 2030s. A working group looking to realize it convened for the first time last month.

Hurdles to clear before starting the service would include creating sufficient passenger space at stations and installing new border and security checkpoints, with those facilities currently present in Brussels. Belgium and Germany are both part of the EU’s open-border Schengen Zone while the UK is not, and was not even when it was still part of the EU.

“By combining Eurostar’s cross-Channel know-how and new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers,” Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave said.

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