With the demand for eco-friendly commuting steadily gaining a following, an old dormant habit returned to the heart of Europe last week: evening train. Wednesday, which carried thousands of students, tourists and romantic travelers before the arrival of budget airlines, made its maiden flight on Thursday. Berlin – Brussels. Despite the resurgence of night train culture across the continent, there has not yet been a direct connection between EU capitals. and in Hauptstadt even during the day. The venture was undertaken by a start-up company European sleeper train, consisting of two train enthusiasts originally from the Netherlands. Although the cost of a train is about the same as a cheap flight, says company co-founder Chris Engelsman. Politico that he believes the environmental consciousness of Europeans will make them choose him, especially since air tickets are expected to become more expensive in the coming years. In addition, he believes that many will agree to pay a sum in exchange for an experience much more pleasant than flying in an airplane.

The goal of the company, which emphasizes the ecological footprint, is to extend the line to Prague in the east and to Barcelona in the southwest.

So far this initiative has been received with great enthusiasm, while the company says its main goal is to be able to expand its network beyond Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels and the cities in between that it has served so far. The goal is to extend the line to Prague in the east and Barcelona in the southwest by next year.

Just hours before the overnight train from Berlin arrives at Brussels-Midi station for the first time, the Belgian parliament voted for the state to cover the cost of electricity and rail transport for night trains – a first in Europe, according to a deputy prime minister. and Secretary of Transportation George Zilkin.

Zilkin was at the Midi the next evening to say goodbye to the next night train back to Berlin and said he hoped other EU countries would do the same. imitate Belgium. The minister, a member of the French-speaking Green Party Ecolo, plans to seek funding for night trains when Belgium takes over the presidency of the EU Council. Next year.