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At the beginning of his address Minister Mitrović expressed his particular satisfaction for participating at today's meeting which deals with the Western Balkans issues within the framework of discussions aimed at better Europe connectivity whereby the Western Balkans countries are given particular approach and attention.

“As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, it should be expected for the TEN-T indicative extension to the entire Core network of road corridors to be implemented by 2028 with the completion of the Corridor Vc, as a basic corridor running through Bosnia and Herzegovina, being the top priority, thus improving transport sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Minister Mitrović said adding that there should be better north-south and east-west connectivity which has also been recognised in the Indicative extension and the implementation of which is currently ongoing.

While in France, the respective Ministers and Heads of transport delegations from the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia, Federal Republic of Germany, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, the Republic of Slovakia, Ukraine and the Republic of Serbia have endorsed conclusions on the effective waterway rehabilitation and maintenance on the Danube and its navigable tributaries. Minister Mitrović has not signed the proposed conclusions since the first paragraph thereof mentions Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

“Developing and improving both the Sava River waterway and the ports located on this river is a priority. Connectivity between road and rail network and ports is a precondition for further development of multimodality. Once the Corridor Vc is completed it will also enable the growth of potential of the Port of Ploče in Croatia. What is still missing is a better connection between the Port of Bar in Montenegro and the Corridor Vc which is something that we are seeking to ensure by proposing the construction of a road-rail corridor through Bosnia and Herzegovina from Čapljina via Trebinje to Podgorica in Montenegro” Minister Mitrović said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina shares 1000 km of the border line with the European Union. This requires a completely new approach and new ideas, as well as all available technological solutions that may be utilised in order to speed up transport operations given the fact that drivers sometimes spend several hours waiting at border crossings.

“Establishing joint border crossings as well as analyzing and advancing border checks procedures will certainly improve the current state of play significantly. If sufficient investments for further development of this area are provided, we will have a competitive region. Minister Mitrović concluded his address by saying “Transport must also become resilient to changes occurring all the time and causing setbacks”.