Removing barriers to rail transport in Western Balkans

Around 110 participants from the six Western Balkan partners took part in a hybrid TAIEX regional workshop in Montenegro from 7-8 March, focused on improving transport flows on railway border crossing points.

The Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) scheme offers peer-to-peer technical assistance and policy support from public specialists based in EU Member States to regional partners in the Western Balkans. Through TAIEX, the EU and public administrations in the region work together to create a better business environment.

Over the two days, experts from three EU Member States – Estonia, Poland and Romania – shared their experience and knowledge of relevant EU legislation and customs control procedures with representatives from ministries of transport and interior as well as customs and rail authorities

Only 5% of trade between Western Balkans and EU is transported by rail, with an overwhelming 95% transported by road. Rail freight emits far less CO₂ than equivalent road transport. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, a 90