Advancing Adria’s Transport Future

Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Transport Community, explains how EU-backed reforms and infrastructure projects are reshaping connectivity, safety, and sustainability in the Adria region

With the European Commission’s new Reform Agendas and the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Adria region is on the cusp of a transformative era in transport infrastructure. This year, as the Transport Community marked its 5th anniversary in September, Zakonjšek reflects on the organisation’s accomplishments and the pivotal reforms driving further change.

From the integration of EU transport standards to green infrastructure investments, Zakonjšek outlines the region’s path to improved connectivity, economic integration, and safer, more sustainable transport systems. As he explains, these developments hold the potential to significantly impact everyday life and business in the region, marking a major step toward European alignment and regional cohesion.

How will the European Commission’s new Reform Agendas impact infrastructure projects in the Adria region, and what role does the Transport Community play in supporting these reforms?

The EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is accelerating reforms and infrastructure projects by aligning developments with EU standards. With €6 billion in funding, it incentivises progress in the rule of law, digital and green transitions, human capital, and the business environment. For the transport sector, reforms focus on adopting key EU legislation, such as Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), to enhance road safety and interoperability in rail through the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

The Transport Community supports these reforms by providing guidance, capacity building, monitoring, and reporting. Our Next Generation Action Plans for rail, road, road safety, transport facilitation, and waterborne transport and multimodality align with the EU’s Growth Plan. We work closely with the governments from the region and the European Commission to draft, implement, and evaluate reforms. These measures unlock funding for projects, such as Corridor VIII in Albania, Corridor Vc in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and key rail projects in Serbia, helping to improve connectivity and economic integration.

With sustainability as a growing priority, how is the Transport Community promoting greener transport infrastructure in the Adria region? Could you share some practical steps toward reducing the environmental impact of road transport?

The Transport Community actively supports greener transport in the Western Balkans, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal goal of reducing transport emissions by 90% by 2050. Our Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, mirroring the EU’s strategy, helps regional partners adopt green technologies through ten flagship projects focused on decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Concrete steps include supporting Alternative Fuel Infrastructure with electric vehicle charging (EVCS) and hydrogen refuelling stations. For example, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia are expanding EVCS networks along key corridors. We also encourage the adoption of EURO6 standards for new vehicles to lower emissions and promote zero-emission vehicles through incentives like VAT exemptions in Albania.

Technical support, regulatory alignment, and cross-border collaboration are essential, with Albania and North Macedonia working together on alternative fuel legislation facilitated by the Transport Community.

What are the main challenges facing the Adria region in achieving EU-aligned road infrastructure standards? How does the Transport Community assist in addressing these, particularly for cross-border projects?

The region has made significant progress in aligning with EU standards. The extension of the Western Balkan East Mediterranean Corridor and Rhine-Danube Corridor connects the region to EU networks. Compliance with TEN-T standards is growing, with over 52% of the Core Road Network and nearly 70% of the Comprehensive Network meeting these standards in 2023. However, challenges remain, such as implementing weigh-in-motion systems and secure parking every 150 km.

Road safety remains a pressing issue across the Adria region. Could you tell us about recent initiatives to enhance safety and efficiency on major road corridors within the region?

Improving road safety is a primary focus, reflected in the Transport Community’s Road Safety Action Plan, aligned with the EU’s Vision Zero goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. This plan emphasises better safety management, infrastructure improvements, and protections for all road users.

The Next Generation Road Safety Action Plan 2025-2027 promotes a Safe System Approach, prioritising road and vehicle design, law enforcement, and emergency response to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. Through the Western Balkan Road Safety Observatory, we track safety data and share best practices. Serbia’s recent observer role in the EU’s CARE database represents progress in harmonising road safety data collection with the EU. However, the region still faces high fatality rates, with 1,261 lives lost in 2023. Achieving Vision Zero will require continued cooperation across all levels of government and society.

How crucial is EU financial support for infrastructure projects in the Adria region? Are there any standout projects currently benefiting from EU funding with the potential to create a significant impact?

The EU is the biggest investor in the region’s transport infrastructure, providing essential funding for modernisation and connectivity. Examples include Corridor Vc in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with €2.7 billion in grants and loans enhancing mobility and economic ties.

Rail Corridor VIII, connecting Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, represents a €2.1 billion project, with €370 million in grants already improving links between North Macedonia and Albania. In Serbia, the Belgrade-Niš modernisation on Rail Corridor X is one of the largest EU-supported projects, totalling €2.2 billion and involving major grants and loans. Serbia’s Batajnica Intermodal Terminal, funded primarily by an EU grant, is expected to increase the country’s transport capacity significantly.

Looking ahead, what are the Transport Community’s key priorities for road infrastructure development over the next five to ten years? How might these priorities impact the everyday lives of people across the Adria region?

The Transport Community’s plans focus on strategic projects and policy reforms aimed at improving regional connectivity, safety, and sustainability. The Green Lanes Initiative, developed with CEFTA and supported by the European Commission, has already saved 20 years of waiting times at borders within the Western Balkans, and further simplification of border procedures is expected to reduce delays for goods and passengers.

Key priorities also include advancing TEN-T projects to connect the Western Balkans with the EU through robust road corridors. This involves digital tools and policy alignment to modernise road management, improve safety standards, and enhance sustainability.

For citizens, these improvements will mean faster, safer, and more reliable travel, with better access to goods, services, and jobs. Enhanced mobility will boost local economies, foster regional cohesion, and integrate the region more closely with EU standards, positively impacting daily life and economic opportunity.

The extension of the Western Balkan East Mediterranean Corridor and Rhine-Danube Corridor connects the region to EU networks. Compliance with TEN-T standards is growing, with over 52% of the Core Road Network and nearly 70% of the Comprehensive Network meeting these standards in 2023. However, challenges remain, such as implementing weigh-in-motion systems and secure parking every 150 km.The Transport Community has identified 42 road projects covering 1,060 km, valued at €3.7 billion, focusing on critical infrastructure. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)