CO2 analysis of train travel needs to take into account the cost (and emissions) of building and maintaining the rail network.
The other factor is that air travel is consistently profitable in the EU, without subsidies. But the reverse is true of rail.
The simplest solution is just to impose a $100/ton carbon tax, and let the market figure it out. But EU bureaucrats seem intent on socialism and planned economies instead.
Socialism isn't really a dirty word in Europe (or anywhere else in the world) like it is in the USA. 20% of elected representatives in the EU are socialists.
So it's less "EU bureaucrats intent on socialism" and more the European zeitgeist.
Depends on which part of Europe. In former communist countries 'socialism' is associated with economic system of their communist past, while center-left politics is called 'social democracy'.
I feel like in the 21st century (at least in the context of parties with widespread support and elected officials), there's no practical difference between social democrats and democratic socialists.
But you're right, the Eastern European parties call themselves "social democrats" and the Western parties call themselves "socialists"
The other factor is that air travel is consistently profitable in the EU, without subsidies. But the reverse is true of rail.
The simplest solution is just to impose a $100/ton carbon tax, and let the market figure it out. But EU bureaucrats seem intent on socialism and planned economies instead.