Brussels, 09/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 8 January, the European Commissioner, Siim Kallas, welcomed the entry into service of the high-speed train between Barcelona and Figueres. This section is very important because it bridges the cross-border area between Spain and France. It will make the journey time between France and Barcelona less than 1 hour (from the current 3 and a half hours). The Spanish and French high speed networks, the largest in Europe, will now be interconnected, improving the rail link between Paris and Madrid, via Bacelona and Lyons. The line will efficiently connect some of the most important Mediterranean Ports (Tarragona, Barcelona, Valencia as well as Marseilles on the French side). (MD/transl.fl)