French tensions rise over German trains

Article reports that France’s transport minister has stepped up his government’s opposition to Eurostar’s planned €600m order for German-built trains, saying in October 2010 that only trains built by France’s Alstom could use the Channel tunnel.

Dominique Bussereau’s remarks are likely to increase European Commission concern over France’s stance over the order, announced on 7 October 2010, for 10 new Velaro high-speed trains from Germany’s Siemens.

Deutsche Welle, 15.10.10: French government says 'non' to German Eurostar trains http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6115945,00.html

ESO: Background information: Eurostar places €600m trains order http://www.europeansources.info/record/eurostar-places-e600m-trains-order/

Deutsche Welle, 17.10.10: German, French rail companies on collision course over Channel Tunnel http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6119722,00.html

BBC News, 17.10.10: Channel Tunnel in German high-speed train test http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11560404

---