Brussels, 30/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Italy and France have formally agreed to cooperate on developing the high-speed train line linking the Italian city of Turin and the French city of Lyons. The agreement was signed in Rome by the transport ministers of the two countries on 30 January. The document stipulates that the first phase of the project, at an estimated cost of €8.5 billion, will be shared between the two countries: 42.1% of costs to be borne by France and 57.9%, by Italy. The project will involve the construction of a 57-kilometre long cross-border tunnel. The TGV line has caused quite a stir, particularly in Italy. It is expected to be completed in 2023, at an estimated cost of €20 billion. Part of the infrastructure project is likely to be funded by the EU: Italy is hoping for 40% of the costs to be borne by the EU. (MD/transl.fl)