A New Railway for a New Europe Why Sweden Must Build New Main Lines
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 09:00–11:00 (registration and coffee from 09:00)
Venue: Art 56, Bryssel, Av. des Arts 56, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgien
Dialogue on the Future of the Swedish Railway – Connecting Sweden and Europe
Region Jönköpings län and Region Östergötland warmly invite you – policymakers, business leaders, EU officials, and civil society actors – to join us for a high-level dialogue on the future of railway infrastructure in Sweden and its European context.
As Europe builds forward, Sweden must not be the missing link. Our existing railway system is nearing full capacity. Despite a 125% increase in rail travel over the past 30 years, investment in new main lines has lagged. The need is now critical.
With the Fehmarn Belt fixed link opening soon, Sweden’s role in Europe’s transport chain must be strengthened – not weakened.
Moderator: Thomas Becker, Managing Director String Megaregion
Speakers, so far (more to come):
Henrik Dahlin, CEO Green Cargo
Linda Thulin, Trafikverket, president in ScanMed RFC (via video link)
Thomas Becker, Managing Director, STRING Megaregion (DK)
Stig Römer-Winthers, Managin Director Femarn Belt Development (DK)
Rachel De Basso (S) Chair of the Regional Executive Committee, Region Jönköpings Län,
Jan Owe-Larsson (M), Chair of the Committee, Trafik- och samhällsplaneringsnämndens, Region Östergötland
Why You Should Join
- Influence the debate: Help shape the ongoing discussion on the need for new rail infrastructure in Sweden.
- Gain insights: Hear from EU/Politicans, industry leaders, regional politicians, and experts.
- Be heard: Contribute your perspective via real-time input tools during the seminar.
- Take part in the next step: Get our complete toolbox (compiled based on this meeting) for engaging in future discussions on the need for rail infrastructure in Sweden. Follow-up seminars are planned for the spring and summer 2026
Seminar Objectives
- Build a broad alliance of support for new main lines in Sweden (Stockholm–Jönköping–Malmö/Gothenburg), but also for more railway tracks to create redundancy throughout Sweden, as well as faster and more efficient maintenance of the existing railway tracks.
- Turn skepticism into strength – reframe the narrative.
- Deliver a concrete message to national policymakers in 2026 – supported by European voices and facts.
Structure: A Four-Part Story
- Europe’s Missing Link)
- The Business Case
Exporters and logistics leaders on capacity and competitiveness - Sweden at a Crossroads
How today’s decisions impact tomorrow’s regions - A Call to Action
We present the views received during the meeting and what opportunities there are to participate in future planned activities!
Invitation
Please confirm your attendance by 8 October 2025 via https://esmaker.net/nx2/s.aspx?id=272065fabb6f
Do feel free to bring a co-worker with you!
We look forward to your voice in this essential European conversation.
Warm regards,
Per Hellqvist Linus Johnson
per.hellqvist@rjl.se Linus.Johnson@regionostergotland.se
Region Jönköpings län Region Östergötland
Tidpunkt: 2025-10-14 09:00 - 2025-10-14 11:00