The Nordic countries are improving the performance and crisis resilience of their transport systems through closer cross-border cooperation. Uniform practices and transport system models are helping the countries to better prepare for different types of disruptions on land, at sea and in the air. Transport preparedness is being promoted on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding between the transport agencies of Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark.
Nordic cooperation in transport preparedness is improving the readiness for major accidents, natural disasters and other social crises. At the same time, the countries are expanding their cooperation to deal with exceptional situations, the seriousness of which exceeds that of normal peacetime situations.
The directors general of the Nordic transport agencies signed the Nordic Transport Preparedness Coopertion (NTPC) memorandum of understanding on Thursday, 16 January 2025 to promote cooperation in transport preparedness. In Finland, this cooperation is being developed by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and the Finish Transport Infrastructure Agency. The National Emergency Supply Agency participates in the cooperation.
"I'm very happy about this cross-border cooperation between the agencies. The importance of preparedness and security is particularly relevant in the world we are currently living in. Our job is to ensure that the transport system works under all conditions. Infrastructure must be crisis-resilient and transport services must be accessible to people. All this serves both civilian and military needs," says Jarkko Saarimäki, Director-General of Traficom.
The cooperation in transport system preparedness previously established between Finland and Sweden will now be fully extended to Norway and Denmark. Iceland also has the opportunity to play a part as needed – given its geographical location.
"The Nordic countries share common threats, risks and vulnerabilities that affect transport preparedness planning. We have one common and sustainable transport system, which we are constantly developing through cross-border cooperation," says Preparedness Manager Hannu Hakkarainen.
Cooperation in preparedness and the sharing of resources, experience and expertise apply to all modes of transport: aviation, shipping, rail and road.
Enquiries:
Hannu Hakkarainen, Preparedness Manager, +358 29 534 5114, hannu.hakkarainen@traficom.fi