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Regional cooperation: key to enhancing rail connectivity in CEI Region

On 8 November 2024, the CEI-Executive Secretariat (CEI-ES), in cooperation with the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, hosted the public event “Advancing regional integration through enhanced passenger rail services in the CEI region”. The purpose of the gathering was to present the study carried out on the improvement of passenger rail connections along the route Trieste  - Ljubljana – Zagreb  - Belgrade, and launch a discussion with key stakeholders on the enhancement of rail passenger connectivity in the whole Adriatic Ionian Region.

The study, by Politecnico Milano, is one of the activities funded by the Joint Operational Plan between the CEI-ES and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region focused on the promotion of activities and initiatives having an international relevance and of mutual interest.

Zsuzsanna Kiraly, CEI Deputy Secretary General, opened the meeting emphasising the strong synergies between the institutional mission of the CEI and the promotion of good connectivity among the CEI Member States.

Matej Zakonjsek, Director of Transport Community Secretariat, while stressing the importance of the ongoing investments for modernising the rail infrastructure in the CEI region, he also focused on the power of the needed reforms (especially as regards interoperability, safety and simplification of border-crossing procedures). 

Cristina Amirante, Regional Minister for Infrastructures and Territory of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region,  recalled “the importance of initiating - thanks to the study - a debate and discussion on a long-distance connection such as the one examined in the analysis presented. It is important not only as a transport link but also as a tool to strenghten integration of the regions concerned”.

Overall, the study highlighted the potential for a direct passenger train service, estimating up to 260,000 passengers annually, but also mentioned the importance of coordination, cooperation and dialogue among different countries.

Key stakeholders, including representatives from ministries of transport, rail operators and experts, discussed the importance of modernising the rail network and promoting new international passenger train services to meet the growing demand for cross-border and international services. Participants emphasized the need for reforms in interoperability, safety, and border procedures, with a focus on making the region’s rail network more sustainable and efficient.

The event concluded with broad support for the study’s recommendations and a commitment to further improve regional rail connectivity.

The full study will be available soon on the CEI website.


For more info: dileno@cei.int

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