However, with the fixed link not only a physical connection is being created. The fixed link will also be a bridge for business, science and culture, making a significant contribution to the continued integration of Europe. The European Commission is fully aware of the significance of the fixed link for Europe and supports a rail connection through the Fehmarnbelt as part of the Trans-European Traffic Network (TEN-T) development.

The opening of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will significantly reduce the travel time between continental Europe and Scandinavia. Instead of a 45-minute transit with the ferry, the trip by car over the Fehmarnbelt will only require about a quarter of an hour in future. Moreover, the time spent waiting for ferries will also be eliminated. In passenger rail travel, a good hour's travel time will be saved. The trip from Hamburg to Copenhagen will only be 3 hours, instead of 4.5 hours. Rail freight traffic, which must currently be routed through the Great Belt, will be routed directly through the Fehmarnbelt thanks to the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, thus saving about 160 kilometres on the Hamburg to Copenhagen stretch. This will create a strong transport corridor between the Øresund region and Hamburg, allowing a new greater region – the Fehmarnbelt Region – to emerge.

This improvement to the infrastructure and shortening of travel times will give the entire region around the Fehmarnbelt a competitive advantage. The time and cost savings will make it easier for businesses to market goods and services from this area throughout Europe. This increased attractiveness will lead to the establishment of new businesses and the creation of new jobs. This will not only benefit the centres of Hamburg and Copenhagen/Malmö, but also the region between both metropolitans. The better accessibility will also strengthen tourism in the region. In the long term, this will improve the standard of living.

During the construction period of about six years, the fixed link will create jobs: Direct and indirect employment has been estimated at 44,000 to 66,000 man/years. This means that average 6,000 to 7,000 people will be employed full-time over the six years construction project. Moreover, after the fixed link has been finished, jobs will continue to be created. Its operation – based on experience with the Great Belt – will require some 200 full-time employees.