Many railway lines introduced in recent years are simplifying travel between different European countries.
However, a recently unveiled proposition from a Copenhagen-based think tank proposes an even more extensive scheme for enhancing railway links across the continent.
The 21st-century vision for Europe includes a continent-wide high-speed railway network designed to operate similar to a subway or underground transit system.
Called Starline, it aims to transform the continent’s “disjointed, inconsistent, frequently sluggish” railway network and bring about improvements.
ultra-fast connections
to rival air travel.
“A truly integrated rail system is no longer just a matter of convenience; it’s a strategic necessity for Europe’s resilience in the 21st century,” the think tank states.
Modeled after a subway system, Starline alters how Europeans view their continent—not as separate far-off capital cities, but as one interconnected rapid transit network where all connections, be they for individuals or merchandise, are readily accessible.
The target for 21st Europe is to have the network operational by 2040 — however, just how feasible is this ambition?
Creating a continent-wide subway network across Europe
It cannot be disputed that a pan-European railway network would be highly appealing to travelers.
From the golden era of
night trains
According to the think tank, “For today’s more than 400,000 annual Interrail users, the preference for unrestricted, readily available travel is evident. However, even with this public interest, international journeys continue to be 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, 21st Europe states that it lacks “ambition and design” not only in the passenger experience but also where complexity is concerned.
ticketing
Inconsistent service and outdated stations contribute to a fragmented railway experience; however, there was also a missed opportunity to establish rail as a hallmark of Europe itself.
The team views unity
design
as crucial for a cross-border network.
“The present system lacks cohesion between stations, train designs differ significantly, and the trip is seldom viewed as an integral part of the overall experience,” the report states.
Various modes of transportation, such as Japan’s high-speed rail systems and Nordic airports, have demonstrated that movement can be practical as well as emblematic.
Starliner trains might connect Helsinki with Berlin in just 5 hours.
The 21st iteration of Europe’s extensive Starline network aims to link 39 destinations across various European nations, extending as far as the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The updated system is expected to be approximately 30 percent quicker compared to the present road conditions.
rail travel
With trains running at speeds of 300-400 kilometers per hour.
This indicates that travelers would be able to journey from Helsinki to Berlin in approximately five hours, rather than an entire day.
journey
It necessitates at present.
From Kyiv to Berlin, which was traditionally an overnight journey, now turns into a reliable and smooth connection,” the think tank states. “Meanwhile, Milan to Munich, currently a sluggish and convoluted path, evolves into a frequent linkage between key economic hubs.
The Starline trains will feature distinctly recognizable dark blue coloring. The carriages will not be segmented into class distinctions but rather organized according to various requirements like quiet areas for work and family-oriented compartments.
The trains will arrive at new
stations
constructed near major cities with links to their existing public transportation networks.
The 21st European vision sees these stations as cultural centers that will function as
restaurants
, shopping, along with thoughtfully designed waiting areas and amenities such as concert halls, museums, sports venues, and event spaces.
‘Europe’s greatest opportunity to achieve net-zero targets by 2050’
In the 21st century, Europe also views Starline as an environmental initiative.
Transportation stands as one of Europe’s most significant environmental hurdles. The sector accounted for roughly 29 percent of the EU’s overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, as reported by the European Environmental Agency.
Short-haul flights continue to be the primary means of transportation for countless people, even though
high-speed rail
releasing up to 90 percent less CO2 per trip.
Think tanks argue that countries such as France and Austria, which have started limiting short-haul flights when railway options are available, will not see significant effects unless they adopt a broader continental strategy.
Transitioning boldly towards high-speed rail could be Europe’s greatest opportunity to achieve its 2050 net-zero targets while maintaining swift and eco-friendly transportation.
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 model.”
According to the think tank, this initiative will receive public funding and be managed by designated national railway operators. It would also come under the purview of a newly established European Rail Authority (ERA), which operates as an entity within the EU structure tasked with guaranteeing the system’s harmonization, compatibility, and future growth.
To function as a
European system
In the 21st European discussion, it was stated that Starline would necessitate standardized labor contracts, technical specifications, and safety rules.
This implies that train drivers, maintenance teams, and station personnel would receive training based on a unified European framework, guaranteeing consistent operations irrespective of their workplace.
This is an extremely ambitious plan; however, the think tank feels confident that it could turn into reality by the year 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.