On Track Toward a Low-Emission Europe: Insights from the EU Transport & Railway Affairs Training Program

Nurminen Logistics offers comprehensive rail freight services between the Nordic countries and the rest of Europe. Our experienced professionals plan each transport solution with a customer-first mindset – and are committed to continuous development to stay at the top of the industry. 

EU Transport & Railway Affairs – a dive into the future of rail logistics 

When I was offered the opportunity to participate in the EU Transport & Railway Affairs training program, I didn’t think twice! The two-week course, organized in cooperation with the College of Europe and the European Railway Training Center, took place in the historic city of Bruges, Belgium. The program is for experienced railway professionals, and this year there were more than 20 participants from all over Europe.

The training provided a comprehensive overview of the European railway sector, encompassing passenger and freight traffic, legislation, infrastructure, and future developments. The programme included interesting panels and talks, as well as ample networking opportunities. Visits to the Port of Antwerp, a rail terminal, and the European Parliament added a valuable practical perspective to the experience. 

It was truly inspiring to see just how many different angles there are to approaching rail transport! 

Panel Discussion: The Future of Rail Freight 

I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion focused on the future of freight transport in Europe. A key question we explored was: Has the EU succeeded in shifting freight from road to rail? The common opinion was that we’re heading in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done before rail reaches its full potential. 

I brought insights from the everyday realities of import and export businesses. Many may still perceive rail as an inflexible solution suited only for large-scale operators. I want to change this outdated view – rail freight is a flexible and efficient option for a wide range of companies, including those who may not yet realize its potential. 

Why was this training program important? 
 
The program aligned perfectly with Nurminen Logistics’ strategic goal to be a strong player in European rail transport. I deepened my understanding of how decisions are made at the EU level and gained insight into the complexity of harmonizing transport operations across 27 member states. 

Rail freight is especially efficient for distances over 300 km. In Europe, a substantial portion of train traffic is electrified, resulting in significantly lower emissions compared to road transport. Yet, many companies still favor trucks – even though more efficient and sustainable alternatives already exist. 

Rail transport is not only safer and more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective. The course highlighted how the benefits of rail extend far beyond individual companies – to society as a whole. There are significantly fewer accidents in train traffic than in road transport, which improves general traffic safety. In addition, one train can carry the same load as 40–50 trucks, significantly reducing road congestion and infrastructure loads.

Nurminen Logistics makes rail freight accessible – even for smaller companies 

Nurminen Logistics’ extensive service from Europe to the Nordic countries brings rail freight within reach for smaller importers. Our service supports corporate emission reduction goals and makes an environmentally friendly solution genuinely accessible – even for smaller shipment volumes. 

We offer door-to-door service based on our extensive rail terminal network across Europe. This significantly minimizes the need for road transport in pickups and deliveries, allowing the majority of the journey to be completed efficiently and sustainably by rail. For the customer, using our service is just as simple as ordering traditional truck transport – and we’ve designed it to be cost-effective and to have competitive lead times.  

It’s inspiring to be part of an international community united by a shared goal: to make rail an even more efficient, accessible, and sustainable mode of transport. 

Pictures by College of Europe.

Elina Averio 
Sales and Business Development Specialist 
Contact me and let’s discuss more about our rail transport solutions: elina.averio@nurminenlogistics.com