On 14 November in Vlora, the Albanian CEI Presidency, in cooperation with the CEI-Executive Secretariat and the Transport Community Secretariat, organised the Expert Panel “Enhancing cross-border connectivity in the CEI region exploiting sustainable transport solutions”. The forum gathered high-level officials, transport experts, and stakeholders from across CEI Member States, along with representatives from business and regional organisations, to advance sustainable cross-border connectivity within Central, Southern and Eastern Europe.
With a focus on cross-border mobility for goods and passengers, the event aimed to address practical ways to facilitate regional trade and passenger transit through transport policies, cross-border agreements and investments.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Ami Kozeli, inaugurated the event by highlighting Albania's commitment to regional transport development, citing ongoing projects such as Corridor VIII and the new Vlora airport. Ambassador Martina Laura Kasnyik, representing Hungary’s EU Presidency, underscored the priorities of transport connectivity, road safety, and sustainability, aligned with the recently adopted Budapest Declaration.
Antonela Dhimolea, Albania’s CEI National Coordinator, emphasised initiatives in connectivity, energy, and digitalization under Albania’s 2024 CEI Presidency as pivotal for regional growth.
Following the opening remarks, the first technical session addressed freight transport challenges, with speakers from Vlora Port and Croatia’s Customs Administration showcasing innovative solutions such as multimodal systems and “smart borders.” In addition, representatives from Montecargo and Durres Port highlighted respectiveley the impact of joint border controls, and digitalised administrative advancements.
The second session moderated by CEI Project Manager Paolo Dileno turned to "Passenger Transport connectivity," focusing on innovative approaches to rail and road transport for citizens and urban planning. It explored projects such as rail rehabilitation on the Trieste-Belgrade route and Corridor VIII enhancements around Elbasan. Among others, representatives ofMoldova’s Border Police shared best practices in infrastructure upgrades and cross-border collaboration.
The conference concluded with remarks from Zana Joca of Albania's Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue, investment, and digital innovation to achieve a unified, sustainable, and efficient transport network in the CEI region.
For more info: dileno@cei.int
