Plans to restore a direct train connection between The Hague and Brussels have taken an important step forward. On Wednesday 7 October, the Municipality of The Hague joined businesses, educational institutions, international organisations and regional partners in signing a manifesto calling for better international rail connections.
The initiative, titled Den Haag kiest voor internationale verbinding (The Hague Chooses International Connectivity), aims to strengthen the city’s accessibility and encourage railway operators to explore opportunities for a direct service between The Hague and the Belgian capital.
Alongside the signing of the manifesto, the city has launched a market consultation, inviting international train operators to consider how such a connection could be established.
Connecting Two International Cities
The Hague is home to hundreds of international organisations, educational institutions and businesses that regularly work with partners across Europe and beyond.
As the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague has strong connections with Brussels, which is home to major European Union institutions and NATO headquarters.
A direct railway connection would make travelling between the two cities more convenient for residents, professionals and visitors. It would also support more sustainable travel by offering an alternative to travelling by car.
The municipality believes that improving international rail connections would benefit not only The Hague but also the wider region and the Netherlands as a whole.
Broad Support for Better Rail Connections
The manifesto brings together representatives from the business community, international organisations, education, tourism, the conference sector and government.
Together, they are calling for improvements to international rail services, with particular attention to 2029, when the Netherlands will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Alderman for Mobility Adeel Mahmood emphasised the importance of international accessibility for the city.
“The Hague is an international city. Every day, thousands of people here work on peace, justice, security, innovation and international cooperation. Good international accessibility is an essential part of that.”
He described the signing of the manifesto as an important step towards restoring the Brussels connection.
“Our joint message to railway operators, the national government and European partners is clear: the demand is there, the support is there, and The Hague is ready.”
What Happens Next?
With the manifesto signed, the municipality and its partners will now seek input from international railway operators through the market consultation.
This process will help identify opportunities and requirements for restoring a direct service between The Hague and Brussels.
Although no start date, timetable or operator has been confirmed, the initiative represents a coordinated effort to put The Hague back on the map for direct international rail travel.
For the city’s international residents and organisations, improved connections with Brussels could make cross-border work, meetings and leisure travel considerably easier.
Source/Image Credit: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English/Editing: The Hague Online
Photo: From left to right, Harry Wientjens (Economic Board), Alderman for Mobility Adeel Mahmood, Christel Mourik (Managing Director, Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag) and Michiel Middendorf (Economic Board The Hague). Image Credit: Gemeente Den Haag.