OUTPUT Freight Transport Logistics in Europe - the key to sustainable mobility Europe's transport policy has been characterized by liberalisation and harmonization over the years. This has slowly shaped the transport system into what it is today. Globalization and the concept of wider Europe create further challenges. The fast growth of freight transport - driven to a large extent by economic decisions - contributes to growth and employment but also causes congestion, accidents, noise, pollution, increased reliance on imported fossil fuels, and energy loss. Infrastructure resources are limited and any disruption in the supply chain (i.e. energy) has necessarily a negative impact on the EU economy. Without adequate measures, the situation will continue worsening and increasingly undermine Europe's competitiveness and the environment that we all live in. To overcome such problems, Europe's transport system needs to be optimized by means of advanced logistics solutions. Logistics can increase the efficiency of individual modes of transport and their combinations. As a result, fewer units of transport, such as vehicles, wagons, and vessels should carry more freight. Impact on the environment will decrease accordingly. Rail and inland waterways need to be modernized. Air freight should be more closely integrated in the system. The positive development of short sea shipping should be accelerated. Deep-sea shipping and its hinterland connections need to be enhanced. Shifts to more environmentally friendly modes must be achieved where appropriate, especially on long distance, in urban areas, and on congested corridors. At the same time each transport mode must be optimized. All modes must become more environmentally friendly, safer, and more energy efficient. Finally, co-modality, i.e. the efficient use of different modes on their own and in combinations, will result in an optimal and sustainable utilization of resources. OVER TO YOU 1 Do you also have to deal with growing freight traffic in your country? 2 How do you think transport systems could be improved? 3 How do you think intermodal transport systems can make freight transport more efficient?