Bringing energy and transport together

The energy and transport sectors share similar characteristics and challenges. Both are the building blocks of the economy, require costly infrastructure and need a harmonized regional approach to work in a smart and efficient way. Both are also major sources of emissions. Exploring the synergies between energy and transport in order to deliver greener and more sustainable solutions more efficiently was the aim of the first joint workshop between the Energy Community Secretariat and the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat on 21 October 2020.

Opening the workshop, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Janez Kopač, stressed: “I am happy to strengthen cooperation with our colleagues from the Transport Community. It is no coincidence that the two communities were established as pioneering institutions to deliver better connected and sustainable solutions for their constituencies. At present, both sectors are facing enormous challenges but also opportunities at the same time. Today’s joint workshop is dedicated to exploring the huge potential benefits of greening the two historically linked sectors and the ways how these goals could be achieved simultaneously.”

Director of the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, Matej Zakonjsek, said “Climate neutrality can be achieved only if we are all working towards the same goal. Cooperation with the Energy Community and other regional organisations will be therefore essential to reverse the negative effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for the planet. The Transport Community will focus on developing rail and multimodal transport, digitalisation and sustainable mobility, as well as promotion of energy-efficient transport modes. We are looking forward to assisting our Western Balkans partners every step of the way in the process of decarbonisation and environment protection.”