The 'European Metro' project: a 22,000-kilometer network connecting 39 cities with trains that would travel at 400 km/h.

Europe is ready to embrace a new kind of mobility. After more than a century of relying on combustion engines , which have filled the air with CO2, the need to shift toward emission-free transport is urgent. While, on the one hand, the EU plans to phase out traditional engines by 2035, on the other, it seeks to promote high-speed trains as a sustainable and efficient alternative.

In addition to being a very popular option for citizens—just look at the success of the AVE (High Speed ​​Train) between Barcelona and Madrid, which has replaced the plane on many routes—high-speed trains combine speed, comfort, and a lower environmental impact. Hence, a continent-wide project has emerged that aims to connect 39 European cities under the concept of a "European metro" capable of traveling across the continent with agility and comfort, without, of course, forgetting sustainability.

The project is being developed by Starline, the Danish think tank 21st Europe, known for its innovative approaches to mobility and urban planning. It is designed for trains that will reach speeds of up to 400 km/h, with interiors that include workspaces, family areas, and comfortable seating for long journeys. The idea is for the stations to be located in the heart of cities, connected to subways, buses, and other modes of transport, facilitating quick and hassle-free transfers.

The Starline network aims to cover 22,000 kilometers, connecting 39 European cities, from Lisbon to Warsaw and from Oslo to Rome. Each section has been designed to minimize sharp curves and steep gradients, allowing speeds of up to 400 km/h to be maintained without compromising passenger safety or comfort.

The stations would not be mere stopping points. They would be integrated into urban centers, with direct connections to subways, trams, buses, and bicycle lanes , making traveling around the city as simple as traveling between cities.

In terms of sustainability, Starline is committed to full electrification and the use of renewable energy whenever possible. This represents a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions compared to short-haul flights or car journeys. It is estimated that, in its first decade of operation, the project could prevent the emission of millions of tons of CO2, while relieving pressure on airports and reducing traffic congestion.

Regarding the travel experience, the high-speed trains in this project are designed with the modern passenger in mind. The interiors will offer versatile spaces for working, resting, or socializing, family areas, and comfortable seating even for long journeys. The idea is that the journey is not just a commute, but a fluid, seamless experience, where every detail, from lighting to digital signage, contributes to making traveling across Europe more comfortable and efficient.

But passenger transport is only part of the equation. Starline stations would also function as logistics hubs, integrating freight corridors to streamline the movement of goods across Europe and facilitate the participation of SMEs in the single market. However, this is not an immediate project, but a long-term initiative that will require decades of planning, investment, and coordination between countries to become a reality.