The Italian state railway group Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), better known under its brand name Trenitalia, is considering a major expansion into Germany’s long-distance rail network with a fleet of around 50 high-speed trains, a move that could introduce the first large-scale competition for Deutsche Bahn on its home market.
Tag: United Kingdom
FLANDERS | Chocolate now top agricultural export as Brussels Airport is world’s biggest chocolate retailer
For the first time, chocolate and cocoa products have overtaken dairy products as Flanders‘ most important agricultural export. In 2024, exports of chocolate and cocoa products peaked at €4.8 billion – an increase of 33% compared to 2023.
Travellers in Europe increasingly open to choosing trains over planes for short-haul journeys
A study published in May 2025 suggests that many travellers across Europe are increasingly open to choosing trains over planes for short-haul journeys, particularly when high-speed rail alternatives are available. A study commissioned by Hitachi Rail, based on responses from over 11,000 people in Europe and North America, found that around two-thirds of Europeans support…
CHANNEL TUNNEL | Virgin Trains gains access to Temple Mills, ORR snubs links to Germany and Switzerland
On 30 October 2025, the United Kingdom‘s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has announced the approval of Virgin Trains’ application for access to Temple Mills International depot in East London. This is a key step towards launching future cross-border train services through the Channel Tunnel to France.
The best cities for gay cruising? London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Barcelona
A new Global Gay Cruising Index published by Erobella in September 2025 reveals where gay men around the world have the best chances for spontaneous erotic encounters, and Europe emerges as the undisputed leader.
Eurostar unveils €2 billion Alstom ‘Celestia’ fleet of double-decker sustainable trains
On 22 October 2025, Eurostar has announced a landmark €2 billion investment in up to 50 new double-decker trains — the first of their kind to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the United Kingdom‘s rail network.
Kanal-Centre Pompidou to open in Brussels in November 2026
Brussels is preparing to unveil one of Europe’s most ambitious cultural projects: the KANAL-Centre Pompidou, a vast new museum of modern and contemporary art. Slated to open on 28 November 2026, the museum will be housed in the city’s former Citroën garage, an iconic industrial site along the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. When it opens, it will…
Is Greece too popular? 2024 tourism statistics raise overtourism concerns
Greece’s tourism sector continued its remarkable post-pandemic rebound in 2024, welcoming a record-breaking 40.7 million international visitors and generating €21.6 billion in travel receipts, according to final figures from the Bank of Greece (Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος).
Channel Tunnel competition plans hinge on depot access as Gemini Trains reveals Siemens–Uber partnership
The British start-up Gemini Trains has taken its most deliberate step yet towards launching new Channel Tunnel services, announcing Siemens Mobility as its preferred manufacturer and Rock Rail as its financial partner for a fleet of Velaro Novo trains.
Osaka wins, Brussels is 42nd: 2025 Yanolja Attractiveness Index for tourism
In 2025, Osaka in Japan has claimed the top spot in the Yanolja Attractiveness Index, overtaking Kyoto, also in Japan, (#3) and surpassing long-established tourism powerhouses such as Paris in France (#2), New York in the United States (#4), and Seoul in South Korea (#5).