A follow-up meeting on the study for the potential reactivation of passenger railway connections along the Trieste–Ljubljana–Zagreb–Belgrade route was held today - promoted by the Central European Initiative (CEI) with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.
This initiative is part of the Joint Operational Plan between the CEI and the FVG Region, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and fostering European integration. More broadly, it aligns with the CEI’s commitment to supporting EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.
The meeting gathered representatives from the Ministries of Transport and Foreign Affairs of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, as well as delegates from the respective railway companies. The project is embedded within the broader framework of the Western Balkans-Eastern Mediterranean Corridor, which has recently been integrated into the EU’s TEN–T network.
In his remarks, CEI Secretary General, Hon. Franco Dal Mas, stated:
“Projects like this allow us to translate the CEI’s mission into tangible actions. Supporting connectivity means supporting EU accession and shared development.” He continued: “The project – which involves both EU and non-EU countries – is a prime example of the CEI’s long-term mission to overcome barriers and foster cooperation and integration across Europe.”
“Infrastructure is not just about moving goods or people – it builds bridges between communities and fosters dialogue. Moving people means moving Europe forward. That is why transport remains a key priority for us.”, he said.
For over twenty years, the CEI has been working on regional connectivity through EU-funded projects focused on decarbonisation and sustainable mobility. These efforts align with the European Green Deal, the EU Strategy for Smart Mobility, and the development plans for the Western Balkans. Railway transport, both passenger and freight, is widely recognised as a strategic pillar of the green transition.
The initiative also received high-level political recognition, with a recent mention by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, during the Italy-Croatia Business Forum (Zagreb, 6 May).
In closing the meeting, Matej Zakonjsek, Director of the Transport Community, stated:
“There was a renewed commitment to cooperate both politically and technically, laying the groundwork for effective collaboration on this important project.”
The shared goal of this working platform – which brings together institutional and sectoral stakeholders from the four countries, along with EU representatives and European regional transport organisations – is to relaunch a historic railway line with a modern and sustainable vision, promoting mobility and integration. Today’s meeting marked a concrete step toward a structured multilateral cooperation centred around this strategic project.
For more info: dileno@cei.int
