Many railway lines introduced over the past few years are simplifying travel between different European countries.

However, a recently unveiled proposition from a Copenhagen-based think tank proposes a far more extensive scheme for the continent’s railway networks.

The 21st-century plan for Europe envisions a continentwide high-speed railway network operating much like a subway or underground transit system.

Called Starline, it aims to transform the continent’s “disconnected, inconsistent, frequently sluggish” railway network and bring about an improvement.

ultra-fast connections

to rival air travel.

“An entirely integrated railway network is not merely an issue of convenience anymore; it has become a strategic imperative for Europe’s robustness in this century,” according to the think tank.

Modeled after a subway system, Starline shifts how Europeans view their continent—not as separate far-off capital cities, but as one interconnected rapid network where all connections, be they for individuals or merchandise, are readily accessible.

The European Union aims to have the network operational by 2040 – however, how feasible is this objective?

Developing a continent-wide subway network across Europe

It’s undeniable that a pan-European railway network would be immensely popular among travelers.

From the heyday of

night trains

To the more than 400,000 Interrail users each year, the think tank states, “The longing for open, accessible travel is evident.” However, they add, “Despite this public preference, international journeys remain disjointed, sluggish, and costly.”

Currently underway is the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), an initiative of the European Union designed to integrate infrastructure throughout Europe.

However, the 21st Europe states it lacks “ambition and design” not only in the passenger experience but also where complexity is concerned.”

ticketing

“, yet suffers from inconsistent service and aging stations, making it seem disjointed,” however, also represents a “lost chance to establish rail as a hallmark of Europe itself”.

The team views unity as essential.

design

like a cornerstone for a cross-border network.

“The stations seem disjointed, the trains have designs that differ significantly from one another, and the trip itself is seldom viewed as an integral part of the overall experience,” it states about the present system.

Various modes of transportation, such as Japan’s high-speed trains and Nordic airports, have demonstrated that movement can be both practical and symbolic.

Starliner trains might connect Helsinki to Berlin in just 5 hours.

The 21st iteration of Europe’s extensive 22,000-kilometer Starline network aims to link 39 locations across various European nations, including routes extending to the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Ukraine.

The updated system is expected to be approximately 30 percent quicker compared to the present road systems.

rail travel

with trains running at 300-400 km/h.

This indicates that travelers would be able to travel from Helsinki to Berlin in just over five hours rather than an entire day.

journey

It necessitates at present.

From Kyiv to Berlin, which was traditionally an overnight journey, emerges a reliable and smooth connection,” the think tank states. “Meanwhile, Milan to Munich, currently a leisurely and indirect path, evolves into a frequent link between key economic hubs.

The Starline trains will feature distinctly recognizable dark blue coloring. The carriages will not be segregated into classes but rather organized according to various space requirements like quiet areas designed for work and family-oriented compartments.

The trains will arrive at new

stations

constructed near major cities with links to their current public transportation networks.

The 21st European vision sees these stations as cultural centers that will serve as

restaurants

, shopping, along with thoughtfully designed waiting areas and facilities such as concert halls, museums, sports venues, and event spaces.

‘Europe’s greatest opportunity to achieve 2050 net-zero targets’

The 21st European event also views Starline as an environmental initiative.

Transportation stands as one of Europe’s most significant environmental hurdles. Data from 2022 shows that this sector accounted for roughly 29 percent of the European Union’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, as reported by the European Environment Agency.

Despite this, short-haul flights continue to be the primary means of transportation for countless individuals.

high-speed rail

releasing up to 90 percent fewer CO2 emissions per trip.

Think tanks suggest that countries such as France and Austria are starting to limit short-haul flights when railway options are available, yet they believe significant effects will only occur with a coordinated continental strategy.

Shifting boldly towards high-speed rail could be Europe’s greatest opportunity to achieve its 2050 net-zero targets, all while keeping transportation quick and eco-friendly.

A publicly-funded franchise model

How then can Starline be realized? The 21st European initiative suggests “centralized coordination of trains, enhancing passenger experience, and adopting advanced technologies, all while permitting national autonomy.”

rail operators

To operate routes using a franchise system.”

The think tank suggests that this initiative will be financed through public funds and operated by recognized national railway firms. It would also come under the supervision of a newly established European Rail Authority (ERA), an entity within the EU structure tasked with guaranteeing the system’s integration, operability across borders, and future growth.

To function as a

European system

, the 21st European statement indicated that for Starline to proceed, there needs to be unified labor contracts, technical specifications, and safety rules.

This implies that train operators, maintenance teams, and station personnel will undergo training based on a common European framework, guaranteeing consistent operations irrespective of their workplace.

This is an extremely ambitious plan; however, the think tank feels confident it could turn into reality by 2040.

“Now, we begin building the network to push for real change, bringing together policymakers, designers, and industry leaders to turn vision into action,” it says.