European transport: the sustainability challenge between road and rail
Despite the Green Deal targets and efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions, goods in Europe still travel mainly by road. Data published by Eurostat confirms a clear trend: over the past ten years, the share of rail and inland waterway transport has been steadily declining, while the use of road transport has increased.
According to the latest data, in 2023 only 21,9% of goods were transported by rail or inland waterways, compared to 26,5% recorded in 2012. As a result, more than 75% of total volumes now travel by road, highlighting Europe’s growing dependence on heavy vehicles for logistics.
Italy among the countries most reliant on road transport
Within the European landscape, Italy ranks among the lowest for the use of sustainable transport modes. Only 12% of goods are transported by rail or waterway, compared to the EU average of 21.9%.
A figure that, although slightly improved compared to the past (10.1% in 2005), still remains far from the targets set at EU level.
A change still too slow
The overall picture shows that although the European Union has placed sustainability at the heart of its industrial policies, it has not yet succeeded in reversing the trend in the transport sector.
In 2005, 18.5% of goods travelled by rail; today the percentage is slightly lower. This situation highlights the need for greater investment in modern, intermodal and digitalised logistics infrastructure capable of better integrating road, rail and maritime transport.
Towards a more sustainable balance
The transport and logistics sector plays a key role in the ecological transition.
While widespread adoption of electric and low-impact vehicles is still emerging, the real challenge is to create an interconnected and more efficient network capable of combining operational flexibility with environmental responsibility..
A goal shared by A.G.R. Transport S.R.L., A.G.R. Transport S.R.L.which has been investing for years in innovation, safety and sustainability to offer increasingly reliable and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
