Italian Competition Authority Opens High-Speed Rail Market

AGCM Competition Press Releases

Filed March 6th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The Italian Competition Authority has concluded an investigation into Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) by accepting binding commitments to open the high-speed rail market. These commitments ensure fair access for a third operator and amend RFI's capacity allocation rules to promote competition and passenger benefits.

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What changed

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has finalized its investigation into Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) by accepting binding commitments that will further open the high-speed rail market. The investigation, initiated in March 2025, examined RFI's procedures for allocating capacity on its high-speed rail network, which were suspected of hindering market entry. The AGCM found these procedures potentially abusive under Article 102 TFEU.

The approved commitments include assigning the new entrant a stable package of 18 train paths for ten years on key high-speed routes and amending RFI's Network Statement rules to align with European principles promoting efficient infrastructure use, passenger needs, and competition. A transitional framework will grant priority access to available or underused capacity for new entrants, facilitating their expansion. These measures aim to ensure transparent and non-discriminatory access, fostering a more competitive market for the benefit of passengers.

What to do next

Review RFI's amended Network Statement rules for compliance with European principles.
Assess impact of new capacity allocation framework on existing and potential new entrants.
Monitor ongoing implementation of transitional framework for new entrants.

Source document (simplified)

A575-A575B - Italian Competition Authority’s action further opens the high-speed rail market with the entry of a third operator

PRESS RELEASE

Investigation launched in March 2025 over possible abuse of a dominant position centred on RFI’s procedures for allocating capacity on high-speed rail network

The Italian Competition Authority has accepted and made binding the commitments offered by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana S.p.A. (“RFI”) in the context of its investigation into barriers to entry in the rail transport market. This decision marks a significant step forward for the high-speed rail market, since it promotes greater competition through the entry of a third operator and creates new opportunities to improve services, quality and competitiveness to the benefit of passengers. Opened in March 2025, the investigation examined a possible abuse of dominant position under Article 102 TFEU and centred on RFI’s procedures for allocating capacity on the high-speed rail network. These procedures were deemed potentially capable of hindering access to the national rail infrastructure and, in turn, the entry of new operators into the high-speed passenger transport market. The commitments now approved introduce significant changes.

First of all, RFI will assign the new entrant a minimum access package of 18 train paths on high-speed routes (Turin/Milan/Rome – Turin/Milan/Venice), ensuring their stability for ten years. This measure is intended to make the new operator’s entry into the market both effective and sustainable. In addition, RFI will amend the rules set out in its Network Statement to bring them expressly in line with European principles on the efficient use of infrastructure, the protection of passengers’ needs and the promotion of competition. A transitional framework will be adopted immediately to protect the “new entrant” and future entrants, granting them priority in the allocation of available or underused capacity to support a gradual and effective expansion of their services.

In the Authority’s view, these measures address the competition concerns identified at the start of the investigation. They ensure fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access to the high-speed rail network, making the market more open and competitive to the benefit of passengers and the wider system.

Rome, 6 March 2026

Text of the decision

Text of the commitments