Development of transport infrastructure in South East Europe is an opportunity for the CEE region

The European Union is focusing on integrating transport routes in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova with EU corridors under the TEN-T framework. It also emphasizes the need for infrastructure investment even before these countries join the community and announces financial support for these efforts. This approach only confirms how crucial trade exchange is for the EU and underscores that transport and logistics are the lifeblood of the economy.

The beneficiaries of these investments will not only be countries such as Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Ukraine, but also the Central and Eastern European region. Why? Because it serves as a logistics hub between the west and north of the continent and the mentioned countries aspiring to EU membership. Modern and integrated transport infrastructure will increase efficiency in goods transportation along these routes. This is particularly significant in the context of Ukraine's reconstruction. It will also enhance the attractiveness of the CEE region in terms of locating manufacturing plants or distribution centers, as countries in southeastern Europe are attractive markets. Southern seaports will also benefit, such as Koper and Constanta, which will become even more significant gateways for goods imported from Asia to the Balkans. This will increase their competitiveness compared to terminals in the North Sea, such as those in Hamburg or Rotterdam.
Such a holistic approach to infrastructure modernization, encompassing roads, railway lines, intermodal terminals, and seaports, also allows for diversification of transportation solutions and the building of supply chain resilience. It's particularly noteworthy to highlight investments in railway or intermodal transport, which are increasingly utilized by companies, largely due to emissions reduction concerns and the advantage of this option in transporting large volumes, especially heavy cargo.

Author: Andrzej Kozłowski, Board Member at Rohlig SUUS Logistics