The Italian high-speed operator Italo is expanding its European plans beyond Germany. Following the launch of its German services, scheduled for 2028, the company aims to extend its train services to Belgium and the Netherlands between 2030 and 2031, utilising its new fleet of Siemens Velaro Multi System trains.
The private Italian operator Italo is already looking towards the next stage of its international expansion. Germany remains the immediate priority, but the company is laying the groundwork for services to Belgium and the Netherlands, whilst in the longer term it is also considering France, Poland and other Eastern European countries.
These plans are linked to the order for 26 Siemens Velaro Multi System high-speed trains, part of a deal worth approximately EUR 3 billion, which also covers maintenance services for a period of 30 years.
The first four trains are scheduled to enter service in Germany on 1 June 2028.
Belgium and the Netherlands: the next step
Italo’s CEO, Gianbattista La Rocca, explained to the Italian publication Il Sole 24 Ore that the new fleet will enable the company to look beyond the German market.
“At present we are focusing on Germany. From there, we can reach Belgium, the Netherlands and France if we look westwards, and Poland and the countries of Eastern Europe if we look eastwards,” he said.
For Belgium and the Netherlands, the timeframe indicated by Italo’s management is 2030–2031.
The advantage of the new trains lies precisely in their ability to operate on several European rail networks. According to La Rocca, the trains destined for Italo will be ready for authorisation not only in Germany, but also in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The trains will be ready for multiple markets from the outset
“Our agreement with Siemens will enable us to be competitive not only in Germany but also internationally,” said the head of Italo.
He pointed out that, upon delivery, the trains would already be authorised for operation in Belgium and the Netherlands, even though commercial services in those two countries are not planned before 2030–2031.
This feature is important for the Italian operator’s plans, as high-speed trains intended for international services must be compatible with different electrification and signalling systems and obtain the necessary authorisations for each network.
Poland is also on Italo’s radar
Although the most concrete plans beyond Germany focus on Belgium and the Netherlands, Italo’s management has also indicated Poland and other Eastern European countries as possible directions for expansion.
For the time being, the company has not announced any specific routes, timelines or projects for these markets.
To the west, France is also among the countries that Italo could target, using its future German network as a base.
Germany would thus become the starting point for a broader international network, in which the trains ordered from Siemens could cross borders without the operator having to introduce different fleets for each market.
26 Siemens Velaro Multi System trains
The 26 trains ordered by Italo form part of the Velaro Multi System family and will be manufactured by Siemens Mobility at its plant in Krefeld, Germany.
The Velaro platform is already in use in several countries, and Siemens states that trains in this family have cumulatively covered over 3 billion kilometres.
In addition to the supply of rolling stock, the contract includes a comprehensive service agreement for 30 years, making the collaboration between Italo and Siemens a long-term project.
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