BRUSSELS – Two back-to-back events held on 24 and 25 April in Brussels focused on road transport, digital systems, and road market integration.
On 24 April, representatives from the European Commission, the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, and road transport authorities from the Western Balkans met for a Study Visit on the implementation of the European Register of Road Transport Undertakings (ERRU) and the Internal Market Information System (IMI). These two EU tools allow cross-border exchange of information about transport companies, improving safety, transparency, and enforcement across Europe.
Participants received practical demonstrations of how ERRU and IMI work, with insights from EU experts and the EUCARIS platform, which supports cooperation between vehicle and driving licence registers. The visit also included a session on Schengen rules for professional drivers, especially in light of the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES).
“For the Western Balkans, this exchange couldn’t be more timely. As you know, we are currently working together to establish the Western Balkans Road Transport Register of Undertakings (WBRRU). But before we can achieve a fully functional regional platform, each regional partner must first set up a national register aligned with EU standards,” said Mr Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community.
On 25 April, the events’ participants took part in the First Meeting on Road Market Integration in the Western Balkans, coorganised by the Transport Community and CEFTA. This meeting opened a dialogue on removing barriers to an integrated road transport market in the region which is a prerequisite for regional integration and EU accession.
Discussions focused on identifying key obstacles, and explored solutions including mutual recognition of licences, better coordination of national and EU policies, and enhanced regional cooperation.
