military, trains and economy in the new situation in Europe

More than ever, the current situation in Europe requires determined joint action by European countries at all levels. The blatant Russian aggression and the erratic new US policy are presenting us with unprecedented challenges that are bringing us closer together and making it more difficult to go it alone.

And so, as some are already hoping and expecting, the policy of dividing and devaluing Europe could have the exact opposite effect: internal and external consolidation leading to a genuine union, the United States of Europe, as envisaged by Adenauer, Schuman and co already a long time ago.

Some see this union coming along the path of defense and the military. A joint rearmament, indeed a European army, to compensate for the loss of the USA as an ally and to achieve closer and trustful cooperation as well in other fields, such as finance, social systems, immigration, etc. through the necessary massive adjustment and coordination efforts.

As a positive side effect, however, some economists believe that rearmament also has the potential to lead Europe into a new, urgently needed economic upturn of its own making. In addition, it would trigger economies of scale in research and science, particularly in the high-tech sector - areas in which Europe has a lot of catching up to do. With cheering stock markets, Europe would emancipate itself from American know-how and systems and at the same time build a solid wall against Russian influence and interference.

So now billions are being freed up for the arms industry; it can look forward to decades of full order books and returns, as in every past cold or hot war. The fact that, in the short to medium term, it is primarily US corporations (and thus indirectly the US government) that will benefit from this is often overlooked.

The reasons for the quick decision to rearm are as plausible as they are shameful. For decades, the Americans have been relied upon and Russia has been underestimated both as a partner and as a potential adversary. Now, for better or worse, action must be taken quickly.

But there is another field in which we need to invest just as heavily now and move forward in a united and coordinated manner. More than any other transnational area, public transport infrastructure has the potential to be a true driver of the economy and integration. This applies to all forms of mobility, but especially to the railroads as the oldest, safest, most reliable (don't laugh, Germany) and, last but not least, most environmentally friendly means of transport.

But Europe still does not have a common, coordinated and, yes, comprehensively mapped rail system. A network that belongs to everyone, that everyone can use and that takes us all everywhere. An affordable, barrier-free, modern network from Hammerfest to Catania, from the Algarve to the Baltic.

This network would have an immense integrative effect on the inhabitants and visitors of this continent. It is a meeting place in motion that turns passengers per se into ambassadors of European mobility and freedom.

Thus, as a side effect, this network would have an inestimable economic value as a lasting economic stimulus on many levels. It is therefore all the more baffling why this network has not already existed for a long time.

Of course, there are historical and technical reasons for this. But after more than one hundred and fifty years of rail transport in Europe, these have now all been overcome or resolved. There are no more excuses, except for the high costs. However, these come back to the European economy many times over (in a different form and slightly delayed). Which is an invaluable advantage over military spending.

So in the same breath that European heads of government and EU representatives are talking about the rapid rearmament of Europe, they should be seriously discussing the project of a common European rail system.

We are waiting!