BELGRADE – The 24th Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee of the Transport Community was held at the organisation’s headquarters in Belgrade, where the contracting parties of the Transport Community Treaty convened to discuss progress in the integration of the transport between the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and the EU. The meeting highlighted several important initiatives aimed at enhancing transport safety, cooperation, and development in the region.
Thanking the Regional Steering Committee members for their dedication during the Macedonian presidency over the committee, and wishing a successful work to the authorities of Serbia which is taking over the rotating presidency, Committee Chairperson and State Counsellor for transport policy of the Ministry for Transport and Communications of North Macedonia, Ms Jasminka Kirkova, pointed out that today’s meeting is yet another opportunity to reflect on the goals achieved and pave the way forward for the activities of the Transport Community in the upcoming period.
Committee Co-Chair and Director for Policy Coordination in the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission, Ms Mona Bjorklund, stressed that today’s meeting reconfirmed the need for continued progress on acquis alignment. The crucial next steps discussed today for the revised TEN-T regulation and the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans underscore the EU’s continued commitment to enhancing integration with the regional partners.
Welcoming the Regional Steering Committee members to the premises of the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, Mr Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community said that since the last committee meeting, the Secretariat continued implementing its activities on enhancing the reforms and connectivity projects across the region.
The meeting discussed an update on the “Safer to School Guidelines,” a crucial component of the Action Plan on Road Safety that aims to ensure safer travel routes for school children.
A comprehensive study on railway level crossings was also presented, including the findings and recommendations to improve safety and efficiency at these critical junctures. The detailed report emphasised the importance of addressing risks associated with level crossings to prevent accidents and enhance overall railway safety, and will further support investments in this regard.
Further discussions cantered on the Transport Community’s Next Generation Action Plans and their monitoring within the Common Regional Market initiative.
Outcomes from the TAIEX training on the 112 emergency number and e-call systems were discussed, along with proposals for future steps to align with the EU Acquis on e-Call, as well as with updates on the revision of the Regulation (EU) 1315/2013 on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
The representatives of the European Commission shared information on the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, outlining strategies for economic development and integration within the region.
