Brussels, 07/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission believes the inauguration, on Thursday 7 June, of the new rail link connecting Brussels Airport with the high-speed rail network to Paris/Amsterdam/London/Cologne is an excellent example of intermodal integration. The new link will allow high-speed trains to stop at the airport on their way to Brussels or Antwerp, before going on to other capitals. The Diabolo project is, the European authorities believe, a model example as it also gives travellers greater flexibility in their choice of mobility and improves connection between the airport and rail services. Siim Kallas, European Transport Commissioner, welcomed the fact that “this important project is becoming operational”. He believes this proves that the EU's financial support of transport infrastructure generates further investment and employment, and therefore gives substantial benefits to citizens. The Belgian project has received €9.7 million in European subsidies, as the new rail section comes within the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). (MD/transl.jl)