At its first summit in Barcelona, the think tank 21st Europe unveiled Starline a visionary plan to integrate Europe’s fragmented rail system into one seamless, high-speed network. The proposal envisions 22,000km of high-speed rail operating at speeds of up to 249mph, linking 39 major stations across the continent. The network aims to bridge gaps between regions by connecting cities such as Kyiv, Bucharest, and Sofia, with destinations in the UK, Turkey, and Portugal.
Designed in collaboration with studio Bakken & Bæck, the sleek blue trains will reflect the EU flag with star accents along the sides, and interiors will offer quiet zones, comfortable seating, cafés, and family-friendly spaces. Starline will leverage existing rail infrastructure, merging five cross-border lines onto a single timetable to provide a smooth and integrated service.
The project is touted as a game changer for sustainable travel, potentially slashing short-haul air travel by up to 80%. By significantly reducing travel times for instance, a trip from Helsinki to Berlin in just over five hours Starline could boost economic growth, create millions of jobs in infrastructure and engineering, and help Europe reach its 2050 net-zero target.
While the plan has sparked enthusiasm among proponents of sustainable transport, critics question whether such an ambitious project can overcome the complex technical, regulatory, and political challenges required to harmonise diverse national rail systems. Nonetheless, the proposal represents a decisive effort to transform European travel into a unified, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to air travel.
Starline’s success could redefine the continent’s transport landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits in an era of rapid change.
