Governments and businesses devise contingency plans for all kinds of emergencies. But how can the EU ensure transport continues to operate?

It was an appropriate moment: while European Union transport ministers, gathered in Brussels on December 2 for their Council meeting, held a long-scheduled discussion on how to ensure mobility during a crisis situation, northern Europe appeared to be paralyzed by a shock snow wave.

The cold snap struck remarkably early, three weeks before winter traditionally begins. But the heavy snow and freezing temperatures – which fell to as low as -33°C in Poland - killed dozens of people through exposure and weather-related accidents. At a broader level, it disrupted transport networks: there were widespread delays and cancellations to flights, with the closure of many airports; train services were disrupted, many roads were blocked by snow, or unpassable, and drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles.

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