Italy’s state railway company has launched trial runs of its distinctive Frecciarossa high speed trains beyond national borders, marking a significant step toward connecting major European cities by rail. The tests, which began Wednesday in Germany and Austria, represent Trenitalia’s ambitious push into international markets through partnerships with Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB.
Commercial services linking Milan and Munich, as well as Rome and Munich, are now scheduled to begin in summer 2027. That’s a year behind the original timeline set by Ferrovie dello Stato. Trains will stop at Brescia, Verona, Trento, Bolzano and Innsbruck, cutting the Milan to Munich journey to approximately six and a half hours.
Can Europe truly achieve a seamless high speed rail network? FS Group chief executive Gianpiero Strisciuglio seems confident, describing the initiative as moving towards a high speed ‘Metro of Europe’ through strategic partnerships with neighbouring rail operators.
The news wasn’t entirely positive for Italy this week. Palermo’s Conca d’Oro shopping centre suffered extensive damage after a fire broke out Tuesday, destroying the building’s roof and several businesses inside. Firefighters worked overnight into Wednesday battling the blaze, with one rescue worker hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Investigators believe an electrical fault, possibly from a short circuit or malfunctioning heat pump, triggered the fire.
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