On 28 September 2012, the Monitoring Committee of the South East Europe Programme confirmed the approval of the Project Accessibility Improved at Border Crossings for the Integration of South-East Europe (ACROSSEE), for an overall budget of 3.025.246,64 EUR.
By promoting a multi-level cooperation – among Transport Ministries, Regions, Universities, Chambers of Commerce, transport stakeholders and European transport association – the project aims to establish a large and coherent platform that will contribute to rationalising and optimising the existing network in South-East Europe (SEE). One of the project’s main objectives is to develop a single transport system for SEE and forge a new approach with infrastructure and transport services. In order to obtain an operative and successful axis, the efficiency of European freight transport systems has to be improved and the Western Balkans are to be considered as integrated. Greater interoperability and the easing of cross-border procedures are crucial for the Corridors' success, including the identification of viable intermodal connections between rail, road and sea. The project will focus on the implementation of common standards and will contribute to the optimisation of international border management aiming to reduce cross-border transit time, while boosting regional and international trade. ACROSSEE is promoted by the CEI through its Secretariat as Lead Partner, in cooperation with 24 partner institutions (Project Partners) from 13 countries and three observers located in the SEE Programme area. The project officially started on 1 October 2012 and will last until September 2014. For information: birnbaum@cei.int