Freight Transport Center in Europark Coevorden-Emlichheim

The Europark Coevorden-Emlichheim freight village (GVZ): Cross-border success in three ways

In the dynamic world of logistics, strategically located and optimally connected locations are the key to success. But what makes a location really first-class? How can companies benefit from a trimodal connection and what role do cross-border cooperations play? The Europark Coevorden-Emlichheim freight centre (GVZ) provides impressive answers to these questions. As a unique, binational commercial and industrial area on the German-Dutch border, it has developed into a central logistics hub of supra-regional importance. This non-fiction text sheds light on the facets of the GVZ and analyses why this location is much more than just an address for logistics and industrial companies.

General description: One park, two countries, countless possibilities

The Europark is the result of a visionary, cross-border collaboration between the Dutch municipality of Coevorden and the German Samtgemeinde Emlichheim. On a total area of around 400 hectares, which extends roughly equally between German and Dutch territory, the GVZ offers a unique platform for companies that want to operate in both markets. Founded with the aim of pooling the economic strength of the region and creating synergies, Europark has developed into a prime example of European integration and economic cooperation.

The heart of the GVZ is the trimodal terminal, which enables an intelligent linking of water, rail and road transport. This multimodality is not only an efficiency driver, but also a clear commitment to more sustainable logistics concepts by forcing the shift of freight transport from road to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Location and infrastructure: The gateway to Europe's markets

The geographical location of the GVZ is a decisive competitive advantage. Located directly on the border, Europark acts as a strategic link between the German Ruhr area, the Dutch seaports (especially Rotterdam) and the Scandinavian region.

Road connections: The connection to the national road network is excellent. On the German side, the Bundesstraße 403 leads directly to the Europark and provides a fast connection to the A31 (Emden-Ruhr area) and A30 (Amsterdam-Berlin/Bad Oeynhausen) motorways. On the Dutch side, the A37 provides  a direct and fast connection to Zwolle and the Randstad. This seamless connection enables efficient distribution to all major economic areas of Western Europe.

Rail connection: The GVZ has its own high-performance rail connection, which is operated by Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG. Regular shuttle trains connect the terminal directly to the major seaports. Of particular note is the weekly rail shuttle to Malmö in Sweden, which makes Europark an important hub for Scandinavian traffic. This direct rail connection is a decisive factor for companies that transport large quantities of goods over long distances and depend on reliability and predictability.

Water connection: The waterway connection is via the Coevorden-Vecht Canal, which connects the GVZ with the Dutch canal network and thus indirectly with the Rhine and the seaports. The public Euroterminal enables the handling of containers, bulk and general cargo between ships, trains and trucks. The capacity of the terminal is over 200,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) per year, which underlines the importance of the waterway for the location.

Nearest airport: Münster/Osnabrück International Airport (FMO) can be reached in about an hour's drive (approx. 80 km) and offers important connections for business travellers as well as capacity for air freight.

Trimodality in perfection: The heart of the GVZ

What exactly does trimodality mean at Europark and what concrete benefits does it offer? Trimodality is the ability to seamlessly transship goods in one place between three different modes of transport – in this case , waterway, rail and road . The Euroterminal Coevorden is the beating heart for this.

• Efficiency and cost reduction: Companies can choose the optimal mode of transport depending on the destination, urgency and volume. Long-distance transports to the seaports can be handled cost-effectively by inland waterway vessel or rail, while the final distribution is carried out flexibly by truck.
• Sustainability: Shifting transport to rail and water significantly reduces CO2 emissions and relieves the burden on the road network. This is not only an ecological advantage, but is also increasingly becoming an important image and competitive factor.
• Reliability: Rail transport in particular offers a high degree of predictability and is less susceptible to traffic jams or weather-related delays than pure road transport.

The terminal is operated by Coevorden-Emlichheim-Terminal GmbH and has modern handling facilities, container storage areas and depots. This infrastructure makes the GVZ a full-service location for combined transport.

Top logistics region: Why the location is convincing

The Europark freight village is part of the Emsland/Grafschaft Bentheim logistics region, which regularly occupies top positions in the ranking of the "Top Logistics Regions in Germany". But what are the reasons for this positive evaluation?

1. Central location in the European flow of goods: The axis between the Benelux ports and the German and Eastern European hinterland is one of the busiest in Europe. The Europark is located exactly on this strategic axis.
2. Availability of space: In contrast to many congested logistics hotspots in conurbations, Europark still offers sufficiently developed and immediately buildable commercial space at competitive conditions.
3. Political support and cooperation: The binational structure is not a bureaucratic hurdle, but a lived cooperation model. A joint management and a central point of contact, Europark Coevorden-Emlichheim Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, make it easier for companies to settle and operate.
4. High affinity for logistics: The entire region is economically strongly oriented towards transport and logistics. This is reflected in a large network of specialized service providers, an understanding of the needs of the industry and an investment-friendly attitude.

Economic development and companies located

Since its foundation, Europark has undergone an impressive development. More than 100 companies have settled here and created more than 3,000 jobs. The mix of industries is wide-ranging and ranges from logistics service providers to production companies and trading companies.

One of the most well-known local companies is IKEA's international distribution centre. From Coevorden, the Swedish furniture giant supplies its department stores in the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Germany. This settlement was a milestone and underlines the location's ability to meet the demanding requirements of global players. Another key company is XPO Logistics, one of the world's leading providers of transport and logistics solutions.

The continuous demand for space and the constant further development of the terminal testify to the continuing positive economic dynamism of the location.

Land prices and tax rates: clear cost advantages

For companies willing to invest, cost structures are a decisive criterion. How does Europark compare here?

Rental and land prices: The prices for commercial land in Europark are extremely attractive compared to German metropolitan regions. While prices of over €200/m² are not uncommon in Germany's top locations, land prices in Europark (German part) are significantly lower. According to the economic development agency of the Grafschaft Bentheim district, the prices for fully developed plots of land are usually in a range of approx. 30 to 45 €/m². Rental prices for modern logistics halls are also at a competitive level, usually between €4.50 and €5.50/m², depending on equipment and size. (Source: Grafschaft Bentheim Economic Development Agency, as of 2023/2024).

Tax rates (German part): Another significant cost advantage is the low municipal tax rates in the joint municipality of Emlichheim.

• Trade tax rate: 340 %
• Property tax B assessment rate: 340 %

Compared to the rest of Germany, these are extremely low values. The nationwide average trade tax rate was 435% in 2022 (source: Federal Statistical Office). For companies, this low assessment rate means considerable annual savings and thus a clear locational advantage.

Workforce and skilled worker situation

A world-class infrastructure is worthless without the people who serve it. What is the situation on the labour market around Europark? The region is characterized by a traditionally loyal and motivated workforce. The unemployment rate in the county of Bentheim and Emsland is consistently below the national and state average, which indicates a robust economy.

At the same time, as in many parts of Germany, the shortage of skilled workers is also a challenge here. The companies in the Europark actively counter this by:

• Training: Many of the local companies provide training in logistical and industrial-technical professions.
• Cross-border labour market: Due to the direct border location, there is a potential of Dutch skilled workers available, which expands the pool of available workers.
• Attractive working conditions: Modern workplaces and a good work-life balance in a rural but economically strong region increase the attractiveness for commuters and newcomers.

There is close cooperation with regional training providers and the Employment Agency in order to manage qualification measures in line with needs.

Key facts & special features at a glance

• Location: Directly on the German-Dutch border (Coevorden/NL & Emlichheim/DE).
• Area: approx. 400 hectares total area.
• Modality: Trimodal (road, rail, water).
• Terminal: Public Euro terminal with a capacity > 200,000 TEU/year.
• Trade tax: Very low assessment rate of 340 % (German part).
• Property prices: Highly attractive, approx. 30-45 €/m² (fully developed).
• Special feature: Binational management and a central point of contact for investors.
• Well-known companies: IKEA distribution center, XPO Logistics.
• Connection: Direct connection to the A31/A30 (DE) and A37 (NL) motorways.

In summary, it can be said that the Europark Coevorden-Emlichheim freight village offers a convincing symbiosis of strategic location, excellent trimodal infrastructure and outstanding cost advantages. It is living proof that European cooperation and intelligent logistics concepts form the basis for sustainable economic success. For companies looking for a future-proof and efficient location in the heart of Europe, Europark is more than just worth considering – it is a strategic opportunity.