The French ministry of Ecological Transition and Solidarity has granted Eurostar France SAS a license to operate trains on its rail network.

Until now, Eurostar UK operated trains in France, Belgium and The Netherlands. But with Brexit looming, the train company needed a fresh license valid in the European Union.

Belgian press agency Belga adds extra checks at the border can be expected.

Eurostar is for 55% property of the French SNCF, for 30% of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in Canada, for 10% by the United Kingdom-based Hermes Infrastructure and for 5% by the Belgian NMBS / SNCB.