Western Balkans Transport Investment Summit Takes Place in Thessaloniki

The "Ensuring Growth and Competitiveness through Connectivity" summit was held in Thessaloniki, organized by Greece’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Transport Community, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with support from the Western Balkans Investment Framework. Speakers stressed that transport is about people, not just infrastructure. Matej Zakonjsek, director of the Transport Community’s Permanent Secretariat, said, "Success is often mistakenly measured in kilometres or tonnes; the true value lies in the connectivity that improves citizens’ lives." EU Commissioner for Transport and Mobility Apostolos Cícicos highlighted the need for continuous investment in railways, roads, ports and airports and called for partnerships between governments, financial institutions and the private sector. The expansion of the TEN‑T network, particularly corridors 8 and 10, depends on regional cooperation. Macedonia was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikolovski, who addressed the corridors and held bilateral meetings with other participants.