The Western Balkans six can benefit from accessing the World Bank (WB) financing and technical assistance to enhance safety and transport sustainability in four categories, namely railway safety, road safety, border crossing points, and deployment of sustainable and smart mobility solutions.

Chaired by Xiaoqing Yu, World Bank Country Director, and co-chaired by Holger Schroeder, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), and Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, the meeting underlined the importance of strategic cooperation and innovative solutions in advancing the region’s transport infrastructure.

As the region faces climate change consequences, with energy and transport sectors being major greenhouse gas emitters, SSTP, funded by the EU and World Bank, supports initiatives like road safety improvements, alternative fuel infrastructure, and intelligent transport systems. It targets reduced travel times, enhanced safety, lower pollution, improved market access, increased trade, job creation, and socio-economic convergence with the EU.

World Bank said that the programme facilitates the region’s long-term recovery, the greening of transport, economic integration, and improved quality of life for Western Balkans residents.

“mproved transport infrastructure can lead to reduced production and distribution costs, increased trade and investment, and enhanced connectivity with other regions. As a result, businesses can access new markets, and consumers can benefit from a wider variety of products and services. This is particularly crucial for the economies of the Western Balkans, where trade has played a significant role in driving growth and economic progress,” the World Bank said.

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