Transport Community aims to fully integrate member states into EU market – Permanent Secretariat Director

The Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community (TC), Matej Zakonjšek, intends to fully integrate member states, including Ukraine, into the European Union market.

"We see that good connections are an essential means for society to function as a whole. This is about the realization of basic rights—simple things like going to school, visiting doctors, seeing friends, and conducting business. Without sustainable, high-quality links, none of this is possible," Zakonjšek said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Addressing why Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia were invited as observers to the TC—a body originally created for the Balkan states—he noted that the most efficient European transport networks can only function if the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova are integral parts.

"If you want the shortest land connection between Asia or the Middle East and the EU, many of those routes pass through the Western Balkans or through Ukraine and Moldova. Once we saw this working well in the Western Balkans, especially following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, it became clear that supporting these connections is fundamental," he explained.

Zakonjšek emphasized that the ultimate goal is to establish the same systems and standards in TC member states as those found in the EU. This requires legislative reforms across all transport modes alongside infrastructure projects connecting the EU with candidate countries.

For Ukraine, the director noted the benefits would include a modern transport network meeting top European standards. "This means safer and faster roads, modern railways, connection to EU networks, reduced border wait times, and more climate-efficient transport. There is also a social component, such as passenger and labor rights," he said.

He concluded that despite the war, transport remains a vital part of daily life. "The Transport Community is focused on how we can help Ukraine with what is important for the everyday movement of citizens and goods," Zakonjšek stated.