News
Renfe halts its Paris project and demands from France the same rules Ouigo has in Spain
Renfe has put its high-speed project to Paris on hold after failing to secure approval for Avril trains in France, while the Government demands reciprocity in response to the advantage SNCF has when operating in Spain through Ouigo.
Renfe halts its flagship project to Paris. The Spanish operator reports obstacles from France's SNCF. The Government demands equal conditions for operating in both countries. The future of the international connection remains uncertain.
Renfe's decision to temporarily suspend its high-speed plan between Spain and Paris directly affects people who regularly travel from Barcelona and other cities to the French capital. The news comes at a key moment for international mobility, just as demand for fast and efficient connections between the two countries continues to grow.
Renfe has chosen to put its flagship project in France on hold after encountering multiple administrative and operational obstacles imposed by SNCF, the French state company. This situation has generated frustration at the Spanish operator, which sees its access to the French market becoming more difficult, while Ouigo, operated by SNCF, runs normally on Spain's main high-speed corridors.
The Ministry of Transport, led by Óscar Puente, has stepped up its efforts to demand reciprocity from the French authorities. The aim is clear: for Renfe to be able to compete on equal terms and offer its services in France in the same way that Ouigo does on Spanish territory. For now, uncertainty over the resumption of the project leaves the anticipated direct high-speed connection between Barcelona and Paris on hold.
Renfe, with decades of experience in operating high-speed trains, has transformed mobility in Spain and has been key to modernising rail transport. Its commitment to internationalisation responds to growing demand for fast connections between major European cities. Competition with foreign operators such as Ouigo has energised the sector and driven improvements in prices and services, benefiting thousands of travellers every year.
Suspension details (1 Apr 2026): Avril certification blocked (SNCF has no date). Renfe retains Lyon/Marseille (S-100F). Project on hold for around 10 years (not cancelled). Puente: urgent reciprocity versus Ouigo Spain. €1,000m contract at stake.