ZAGREB – The Technical Committee on Railways of the Transport Community successfully concluded its 17th meeting held in Zagreb, Croatia, on 5 to 6 October 2023. The meeting brought together a diverse group of representatives from South East European Parties, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Union Agency for Railways, and private sector stakeholders, marking a milestone in shaping the future of rail transportation in the region.
The meeting focused on advancing key initiatives within the rail sector by discussing the Progress Report on Rail Action Plan and TEN-T Rail Network Extension.
In his opening remarks, Transport Community Director, Mr Matej Zakonjšek, reflected on the importance and praised the work of the Technical Committee by pointing out that active engagement of all stakeholders underscores our collective commitment to advancing rail transportation in the region.
The participants engaged in a detailed discussion and presentation of the Final Draft of the Progress Report regarding the implementation of the Rail Action Plan. This report, crafted in collaboration with all regional partners, is set to be adopted by the Regional Steering Committee and Ministerial Council in upcoming meetings scheduled for October and November this year.
The Technical Committee also deliberated the TEN-T report addressing the extension of the TEN-T Rail Network into the Western Balkans. The report assessed the state of the rail network in the Western Balkans and its alignment with TEN-T requirements.
Throughout the meeting, attendees received updates on legislative changes related to the TEN-T Network, ongoing infrastructure projects, and the presentation of the final report on the study assessing the railway market in the region, which had been completed in August 2023.
One of the meeting’s highlights was a visit to the Zagreb main railway station, organised in partnership with the passenger railway undertaking “HZ Putnički.” Attendees had the opportunity to witness a presentation and a demonstration of the new EMU train, which has been operational since July this year.
The Technical Committee on Railways is a platform for collaboration and decision-making on rail-related matters within the Transport Community. It aims to enhance rail transportation in South East Europe and the Western Balkans by promoting cooperation among regional partners and stakeholders.
