Belgium, Netherlands, Germany push to revive historic Iron Rhine railway

Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are currently engaged in discussions to reactivate the historic Iron Rhine railway, originally constructed in the 19th century, to enhance military mobility in light of growing concerns over Russia.

“The military dimension has thrust the Iron Rhine back into prominence,” Herman Welter, a railway expert at Gazet van Antwerpen, told POLITICO, noting that this factor could now heavily influence the long-standing debates over the railway’s reactivation.

The Iron Rhine, which historically linked the Port of Antwerp in Belgium to Germany’s industrial Ruhr region, played a crucial role for Allied forces during and after World War II. Though largely dormant for decades, some sections have been abandoned since 1991.

With EU military mobility requirements increasing and other rail corridors facing capacity constraints, momentum is building to restart the project. “It’s becoming a pressing concern,” said an anonymous mobility consultant close to the negotiations, confirming that talks are accelerating.

“This is ultimately a political endeavour,” added Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesperson for Belgium’s Transport Ministry. “Prime Minister Bart De Wever is personally overseeing the project.”

However, not all parties are equally enthusiastic. The Netherlands, in particular, has shown reluctance. Its section of the railway is short, while the Betuwe line already connects Rotterdam to Germany. Economic considerations also play a role, as the Port of Antwerp has long supported the Iron Rhine as a potential competitor to Rotterdam’s dominance. “The Netherlands participates, but there’s internal resistance,” the consultant said. The Dutch government did not respond to a request for comment.

Belgian officials hope that the military justification will accelerate the railway’s reactivation. Welter emphasised, “The Netherlands holds the key. If the costs are minimal, they’re likely to cooperate.”

Potential funding incentives could also sway Dutch opinion. NATO’s new spending targets and proposed EU allocations — including €17 billion for military mobility from 2027 under the EU’s next long-term budget — may provide the necessary financial boost. “If the EU covers the infrastructure costs, even reluctant parties like the Netherlands could come on board,” the mobility consultant noted.

Efforts to reactivate the Iron Rhine have been ongoing for years, often sparking disputes over environmental concerns. In 2003, Belgium and the Netherlands brought the matter to arbitration. The tribunal ruled that Belgium could proceed but would bear the environmental costs, while Dutch contributions would only apply if benefits accrued to the Netherlands.

Germany appears generally supportive of the project, according to Welter, though the railway presents significant infrastructure challenges, particularly near Aachen and due to the collapse of the Rastatt tunnel in 2017.

By Tamilla Hasanova