TIRANA, Sept 22 /ATA/ – Albania and Montenegro have launched a joint initiative to modernize railway infrastructure as part of their efforts to align with EU transport standards and speed up integration into the European Union.
The two countries are part of the EU’s Core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), and rail connectivity has become a key priority in meeting EU requirements.
The initiative, titled Connected for Cohesion (Co4Co), was presented in Tirana and is co-financed by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 programme. It brings together partners from Albania, Montenegro, and Italy with the goal of enhancing rail connectivity, institutional capacity, and cross-border coordination across the South Adriatic to ensure full EU membership of Albania and Montenegro by 2030.
Speaking at the event, Ardian Hackaj, coordinator of the Tirana Connectivity Forum, said the project aims to prepare the region’s rail sector for deeper EU integration by 2030 and ensure local priorities are reflected in future EU policies on cohesion and enlargement.
Montenegrin and Albanian officials reaffirmed their commitment to regional connectivity, with a focus on building a greener, more integrated transport system. The project will also support national rail operators in accessing EU funding tools, while strengthening institutional readiness and public-private cooperation.
Gilles Kittel from the European Commission (EC), Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), where he is Team Leader – Instrument for Pre-Accession, Enlargement Negotiations, and EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR), said Co4Co draws on Italy’s experience and promotes equal partnership between member states and candidate countries.
It will contribute directly to the EUSAIR Transport Masterplan, bridging connectivity gaps and advancing sustainability and governance in the Western Balkans.
Running through 2027, the initiative is implemented by five partners, including Albania’s CDI, national railway companies, and Italian regional authorities from Puglia and Molise.
/e.i/r.e/a.f/u.sh/
