Initiative launched to modernize rail infrastructure between Serbia and Adriatic ports

The Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (CCIS), together with the northern Adriatic ports of Rijeka, Koper and Trieste, has launched an initiative towards the relevant governments and EU institutions to accelerate the modernization of rail infrastructure and remove all administrative barriers that hinder efficient transport between Serbia and Adriatic ports, the CCIS announced.

The president of the CCIS, Marko Cadez, met with the presidents of the Ports of Rijeka and Koper, Dusko Grabovec and Nevenka Krizan. Together, they stressed that it was time for concrete steps, because any further delay in the transport of goods to these ports cost the region lost investments and slowed development.

– The ports of Rijeka, Koper and Trieste represent a strategic direction for the economy of Serbia and the region. This is the shortest and most modern logistics route for connecting the economies of the Western Balkans with the global market – said Cadez.

Due to insufficient investments, outdated rail infrastructure, and the lack of inspection controls for veterinary and phytosanitary supervision at crossings, transport between Serbia and the northern Adriatic ports is carried out predominantly by road. All this leads to large jams and delays at border crossings, especially at Batrovci, where trucks wait on average for more than 10 hours, and in some cases up to 36 hours.

– The revised TEN-T network and the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans of six billion euros by 2027 give us the opportunity for political and financial support for the modernization of railroads. This is an opportunity for the region to stand together before the EU and show that connectivity is a prerequisite for joint progress – said Cadez.

Connecting the Serbian economy with the northern Adriatic ports is of crucial importance for access to global markets and for the further development of industry, export and logistics. The initiative of the CCIS and its partners has a clear goal - for Serbia to become an integral part of a modern, green and efficient European rail system.

Privredna komora Srbije

Chamber of Commerce of Serbia

CCIS

Marko Čadež

Duško Grabovac

Nevenka Križan

Port of Rijeka

Port of Koper

Port of Trieste