Integration for next generation rail: Connecting the Western Balkans to the EU rail market through investment and reform

As the cleanest mode of mass transportation, rail has a fundamental role to play in decarbonising the economy and achieving climate neutrality. Reliable and modern rail systems are needed to connect communities and transport goods. Accelerating the modal shift to rail will be a key element in transforming our society into a carbon neutral one by allowing trains, trams and metros to serve as the backbone of sustainable mobility. Integrating the Western Balkan’s approximately 7,700 km-long rail network is essential to decarbonising the continent’s mobility system. However, this can only be economically viable if unified as a modern, efficient, regional network capable of using modern and interoperable rolling stock. Investments and policy reforms are equally important for the ongoing efforts to achieve this goal.

UNIFE, the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry, with the support of the Transport Community Secretariat of the Western Balkans, organises an online event on 23 May to examine upcoming flagship rail projects, explain suitable investment support mechanisms currently available and take stock of the ongoing extension of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) into the region. These are key elements for the swift, full integration of the Western Balkans into the EU rail market and untapping the potential that sustainable rail investments and reforms can offer to both regions. The event will take place between 15.00-17.00 (CEST).
Confirmed speakers include: UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroën, Deputy Director General at European Commission's DG MOVE Maja Bakran, Transport Community Secretariat Director Matej Zakonjšek and Deputy Head of Unit of Western Balkans Regional Programmes, Economic Investment Plan at European Commission's DG NEAR  Michael Voegele.

The event will also count with other distinguished speakers from the European Commission, UNIFE members and other Western Balkans stakeholders to better understand emerging opportunities and discover the possibilities for rail in the region.