Spanish train manufacturer Talgo is leading a €105 million project to develop a new generation of high-speed trains designed to operate across Europe. The three-year BasqTrain 35 programme aims to overcome technical differences between national railway networks, which complicate cross-border services and increase train development costs.
Presented on 5 October 2026 as part of the Basque Government’s Industry Plan – Euskadi 2030, the project will involve 20 organisations and is expected to create more than 140 highly skilled jobs in the Basque Country in Spain. Of the total investment, €78 million will go towards research and development.
The ambition is to create a versatile, energy-efficient train that can be adapted to different European railway systems without requiring a separate design for each market. However, Talgo has not yet announced the train’s maximum speed, technical configuration, intended markets or expected entry into passenger service.
Twelve Basque companies involved
The consortium includes 12 Basque companies, ten of them small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside the Spanish railway industry association Mafex and research organisations from the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network. Technology centre CEIT will serve as the principal research partner.
Participating companies include Ingeteam, Multiverse Computing, Basquevolt, Bronymec, Birziplastic, Bilerro, Indutri-SL, InspecRail, iTree, LIS Data, Orbik, and Titanium.
Ingeteam will develop power electronics, train control and energy management solutions, including distributed traction and monitoring technologies. The programme will also investigate new materials, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence to reduce train weight, improve energy efficiency and support predictive maintenance.
Talgo president José Antonio Jainaga said the project would strengthen the region’s industrial and technological capabilities while helping the company remain competitive in the global railway market. Priorities include more efficient traction systems, adaptable passenger coaches and improvements to comfort and accessibility.
Industrial ambitions and passenger benefits
Basque Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability Minister Mikel Jauregi described sustainable mobility as a strategic sector in the Euskadi 2030 industrial plan. He said the project would build on the region’s existing industrial and technological expertise to develop the next generation of European high-speed trains.
Elixabete Etxanobe, Deputy General of Bizkaia, highlighted the importance of retaining research, technological development and strategic decision-making in the region, while creating opportunities for local businesses and young professionals.
BasqTrain 35 is one of 25 transformative projects under the Euskadi 2030 industrial plan. Nineteen have already been launched, and the programmes collectively aim to mobilise more than €965 million in initial investment and create over 3,990 jobs.
A European train still to be defined
BasqTrain 35 remains a research and development programme rather than a confirmed train order or a finished vehicle design. Its success will depend on whether the technologies developed can accommodate different national railway requirements and attract operators across Europe.
Talgo has previously explored opportunities in Central Europe, signing an agreement with Polish manufacturer Pesa in 2024 to examine the development and production of high-speed trains for Poland and neighbouring markets.
The new project sets out a three-year, €105 million commitment to developing more interoperable high-speed technology. Whether it ultimately delivers a train capable of operating throughout Europe remains to be seen.
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