EU traffic emission regulations have been put to a severe test in the freezing temperatures of Northern Europe. Damage to AdBlue systems in cold weather is costly for companies, but also challenges security of supply and safety. INFRA sees the situation as an important reminder that Finland's EU influence must be further intensified by building new partnerships.
"When emission regulations do not work in Arctic conditions, critical functions of society are also jeopardized. This is a clear message that Finland must drive the special northern conditions in the EU more decisively together with various partners," says the CEO of INFRA ry. Paavo Syrjö.
The EU requires diesel vehicles to have an exhaust gas cleaning system that uses a urea-based solution called AdBlue. It freezes at around -11°C, causing equipment failure and additional costs for companies.
"In the Nordic countries, a cold winter is not an exception, but a part of everyday life. The care and maintenance of roads and repairs to water, sewage, district heating, electricity transmission and telecommunications networks must be successful in all circumstances. The procedures now required by the EU can make it difficult to even take care of critical infrastructure."
INFRA, representing civil engineering companies, was present when Finnish MEPs and transport and traffic lobbyists organised a discussion on the topic in Brussels on 3.2 February. INFRA is part of the Construction Industry Federation (RT), which represents the construction sector in the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK).
"When the AdBlue system breaks down, the machines stop working immediately. A quick solution must be found to this problem. The machines must be able to continue working even if the system is temporarily out of service. In the longer term, adopting a solution that is more resistant to frost would solve the problem," says Syrjö, who spoke at the event.
“A functioning infrastructure in the Nordic region is in the interest of all of Europe”
Several Finnish MEPs have worked determinedly to prevent AdBlue problems. Finland's voice is still limited on its own, and even when it is joined by another Arctic EU country, Sweden.
Climate change and the changing geopolitical situation will further emphasize the strategic importance of the Nordic region for Europe. Finland and Sweden must therefore be able to cooperate even more closely and proactively, including with EU countries that do not directly share the same circumstances.
“Friends and those who understand will be needed in the future, for example in issues related to the accessibility of Northern Europe. We must proactively and through extensive networking strengthen the Commission’s understanding that a functioning infrastructure in the Nordic region is in the interest of the whole of Europe,” reminds Paavo Syrjö. “Important European goals must not freeze, as happened in the AdBlue case. EU policy must also withstand the reality of the Nordic region.”
- See the organizers of the discussion on 3.2. joint press release from SKAL ry's website
- See the event on 3.2. PP presentation – slides 9–13 Paavo Syrjö's contribution, which contains a concrete example of the consequences of an AdBlue engine failure for an entrepreneur
- For further information, please contact Paavo Syrjö, CEO, INFRA ry; tel. +358 40 560 1803