In just one year the transport structure in five Balkan countries has been surveyed, assessed and described in detail in a 200-page report and a further 1,200 pages of annexes.

Rebis Transport Joint Venture, a consortium consisting of COWI, two French and six local associates, carried out the work. The final result is a five-year plan with recommendations for no fewer than 140 individual projects.

Closely following the work

COWI project manager Erling Hvid takes up the story: "The amazing thing about the plan is that it has the support of the governments involved and the investors – the European Commission, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)."

"All parties have been closely following the work, which has meant holding discussions as it progressed. Our recommendations have sometimes caused a stir, because we have to tackle sensitive issues between nations that have only recently got back on speaking terms following ten years of internecine warfare, civil war or massive refugee problems."

A collective strategy

The international community has promised economic support to the Balkans to restore growth and stability. The EU has taken the lead and has financed the recently completed transport study with a budget of DKK 17 million. This was a regional study that transcended national borders, because given how relatively small the countries of the region are a common transport strategy is essential.

Erling Hvid explains: "The study has been unusually complex, as it has involved governments in six countries, some of whom have more than one transport ministry. In addition, a number of development banks and donors are involved. They decided to establish a steering committee of senior representatives, which has been very active throughout the study."

Published  05.11.2003