Starovic and Linkaits: Better integration of region with EU transport networks benefits citizens

Serbian Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic met today with the new Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, Talis Linkaits, to discuss improving transport connectivity in Serbia and the region, implementing European standards, and the importance of modern infrastructure for the European Union accession process.

During the meeting, particular attention was devoted to the implementation of priority transport projects, improvements to rail and road infrastructure, enhanced traffic safety, and the elimination of bottlenecks at border crossings.

The two officials assessed that better integration of the Western Balkans with the EU transport market and networks brings tangible benefits to citizens and businesses, promotes economic development, and represents an important part of the region’s European integration, according to a statement from the Serbian Ministry of European Integration.

Starovic wished Linkaits success in his new position, expressing confidence that the successful cooperation between Serbia and the Transport Community would continue and be further strengthened.

The Transport Community is an international organization in the field of mobility and transport comprising 36 participants—the European Union member states represented by the European Commission, six South East European Parties, and three observing participants: Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

It works to integrate the Western Balkans’ transport markets into the EU by assisting the six Western Balkan partners in adopting and implementing EU transport legislation and supporting projects that connect the Western Balkan regional partners with one another and with the EU.

The Transport Community is supported by a Permanent Secretariat headquartered in Belgrade.