Powering the Future: EU–Vietnam Partnership on High-Speed Rail

December 2025 marked a milestone in international collaboration as GOPA welcomed senior leaders from Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction, the Vietnam Railway Authority (VNRA), and STAMEQ to Europe for an exclusive high-speed rail study tour. Backed by the Asia Partnerships Facility (APF) and DG INTPA, this initiative set a new standard for knowledge sharing between Vietnamese and European rail experts.

Why does this matter? 

Europe sets the pace for high-speed rail innovation—think TGV, ICE, AVE. By opening doors to our expertise, the EU is fueling Vietnam’s vision for a safe, resilient, and sustainable rail network—crucial for its net-zero ambitions by 2050.

What happened?

Vietnamese delegates immersed themselves in the heart of European rail excellence, connecting with CEN/CENELEC, ERA, UNIFE, and national standardisation champions like AFNOR and DIN. The agenda? Dynamic site visits, hands-on sessions, and strategic dialogues on standards, interoperability, safety, and regulation—everything needed to build world-class railways.

What we achieved:

·     Boosted Vietnam’s capacity to adopt and implement EU rail standards

·     Forged stronger EU–Vietnam partnerships for seamless policy alignment

·     Advanced Vietnam’s efforts to deliver climate-friendly, cutting-edge rail infrastructure

The Impact:
This exchange is more than a meeting of minds—it’s a leap towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Under the EU’s Global Gateway, rail transport is a focal point for strategic investment, driving new business opportunities and deepening trade ties for a cleaner, more connected future.