Inga Ablingienė, Policy Area Transport Coordinator

 

The Baltic Sea Region stands as a vital economic actor as well as an important part of the whole supply chain in Europe and beyond. However, many regulatory and economic transformations must be faced in order for the transport sector to stay competitive and for the Region to keep its leader’s position. As Policy Area Coordinator and expert, I identify three main challenges the Baltic Sea Region will face during this year and later. 

 

Transport pollution remains a pressing issue in the Baltic Sea Region, posing threats to environmental sustainability and public health. Road, maritime and air transport contribute to air and water pollution through emissions and greenhouse gases. In the context of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, emissions from the transport and logistics sector are an essential component of efforts to address climate change and achieve sustainability goals. Additionally, initiatives promoting the use of alternative fuels and incentivizing the adoption of eco-friendly transport modes will remain crucial in reducing pollution levels and fostering sustainable transport practices in the region.

The digital transformation of transport logistic chains holds huge potential for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving transparency in the Baltic Sea Region. Embracing digital technologies such as digital data instead of paper documentation, real-time tracking systems, and data analytics enables stakeholders to ease logistics operations, optimize route planning, and minimize empty mileage. Moreover, transitioning towards paperless processes not only reduces administrative burdens but also facilitates seamless information exchange and collaboration across borders. By taking the lead in driving transport logistics chains digitally, the Baltic Sea Region can unlock new opportunities for innovation and competitiveness in the transport sector as well as promote environmental sustainability.

The geopolitical landscape of the Baltic Sea Region has witnessed significant shifts, with events such as the war in Ukraine impacting cargo movements and trade dynamics. Border closures, trade restrictions, and disruptions to East-West transport corridors have underscored the vulnerability of transport networks to geopolitical tensions. In response, policymakers must adopt a proactive approach to mitigate risks and enhance resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainties. This includes diversifying transport routes, strengthening cooperation mechanisms among regional stakeholders, and investing in infrastructure projects that promote connectivity and facilitate trade diversification. Therefore, the implantation and commercialization of the Rail Baltica project will be the game changer in the upcoming years while strengthening the North-South transport logistics axis within the region.

As a transport policy expert in the Baltic Sea Region, I do recognize the interconnected nature of challenges posed by transport pollution, digital transformation, and geopolitical dynamics. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates regulatory measures, technological innovation, and strategic foresight, stakeholders can navigate these challenges effectively and pave the way for a sustainable, efficient, and resilient transport ecosystem in the region. Through collaboration and combined efforts, the Baltic Sea Region can emerge stronger and more resilient, ensuring its continued role as a vital artery of European transportation and trade.