Transport Summit drives connectivity investment in the Western Balkans
The Transport Investment Summit opened on 18 June 2026 in Thessaloniki, bringing together governments, EU institutions, international financial institutions, infrastructure managers, chambers of commerce and private sector representatives to accelerate transport investments across the Western Balkans and EU neighbouring regions.
Hosted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of the Hellenic Republic, the Summit is organised by the Transport Community, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with the support of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Under the theme "Delivering Growth and Competitiveness through Connectivity," the Summit focuses on turning strategic priorities into bankable, coordinated and investment-ready transport projects.
Key discussions address the implementation of the TEN-T extension, development of the Western Balkans–Eastern Mediterranean Corridor, donor coordination, project preparation, and stronger public-private cooperation.
The Summit comes at a pivotal moment. With corridors, policy direction and EU standards already in place, the region's priority is now faster delivery—advancing mature projects, strengthening procurement frameworks, mobilising financing and ensuring investments lead to safer, greener and more resilient transport networks.
Investment needs, estimated at EUR 25 billion to complete the WBEM corridor, across the region remain significantly high, underlining the importance of stronger donor coordination and increased private-sector engagement.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Christos Stavrou Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of the Hellenic Republic, highlighted Greece's role as a strategic gateway connecting the Western Balkans, the Black Sea region and the Eastern Mediterranean, and called for a shift from planning to implementation.
Speakers from partner institutions echoed the need to accelerate delivery. Matej Zakonjšek, Director, Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, stressed the importance of moving from strategy to implementation through better-prepared projects and coordinated financing. Mark Bowman, Vice President, Policy and Partnership, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, highlighted the need to mobilise public and private investment at scale, while Robert de Groot, Vice President, European Investment Bank, underlined the importance of connectivity for a competitive and integrated Europe.
The programme includes two thematic panels focusing on TEN-T implementation and emerging connectivity opportunities. Christophe Galand, Head of Unit for the Western Balkans at DG ENEST, set the scene for the panel on "The Next Wave of Connectivity," focusing on Europe's evolving transport connectivity priorities the emerging regional investment opportunities and the role of regional cooperation between the EU and Western Balkans.
Christophe Galand, Head of Unit for the Western Balkans at DG ENEST
A dedicated networking session further supports dialogue between public authorities and private investors, helping identify concrete opportunities for cooperation and project development.
With €2.9 billion already invested in sustainable transport, WBIF continues to play a key role in boosting competitiveness, improving mobility, unlocking economic growth and bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. By supporting project preparation, financing and coordination, WBIF helps turn connectivity priorities into tangible results for citizens and businesses.
Useful links:
Sustainable Transport Factsheet
Transport Investment Summit website
---
About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.