TIRANA, Oct 28 /ATA/ – A high-level delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) visited Durres Port during an official mission to the Western Balkans from Oct. 26 to 28, focusing on regional connectivity and Albania’s integration into European transport networks.
The delegation was led by Austrian MEP Sophia Kircher, a TRAN vice-chair, and included European Parliament members and transport policy experts. Marian-Jean Marinescu, European Coordinator for the Western Balkans–Eastern Mediterranean (WBEM) corridor, also took part.
Discussions focused on maritime transport developments, port infrastructure modernisation, regional cooperation and Albania’s integration into strategic European transport networks.
Particular attention was given to the WBEM corridor, part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which aims to improve road, rail and maritime connections, increase transport efficiency and facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between the Western Balkans and the European Union.
Participants highlighted Durres Port’s strategic role as a maritime hub along the corridor, as well as planned investments to modernise infrastructure, expand port capacity and strengthen multimodal connections.
The proposed new integrated commercial port at Porto Romano, near Durres, was also discussed. The project aims to increase cargo-handling capacity, improve road and rail links and strengthen Albania’s role as a gateway between regional and European markets.
The visit comes as Albania advances its EU integration process, with alignment with EU legislation and standards, sustainable infrastructure development and stronger regional connectivity among its key priorities.
The Durres Port Authority said the visit would strengthen institutional dialogue with European partners and reaffirm the strategic importance of Albania’s port infrastructure within the WBEM corridor and the wider TEN-T network.
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