Venue and date
Belgrade, 16–17 June 2026
Hotel Metropol Palace
Context
South-East Europe stands at a strategic crossroads. Strengthening rail connectivity is no longer only a transport priority—it is a matter of economic sovereignty, regional stability, and integration into global trade corridors linking Europe with the Middle East and beyond.
As countries of the region advance toward alignment with European interoperability standards (TSIs) and integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), rail must become a pillar of sustainable growth, resilience, and competitiveness.
However, key challenges remain: fragmented cross-border links, infrastructure modernisation needs, limited interoperability, and the need to accelerate digital and green transitions.
Purpose of the Event
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of SEESARI [1] this high-level conference will bring together head of state, ministers, railway leaders, international financial institutions, and industry partners to:
- Affirm a shared political vision for a connected and competitive railway system in South-East Europe
- Accelerate regional integration and cross-border coordination through the concrete projects
- Mobilise strategic investments in infrastructure, digitalisation, and innovation
- Strengthen cooperation with international partners to ensure alignment with European standards and global best practices
The event will underline the role of the International Union of Railways (UIC) as a strategic partner of members, supporting implementation, standardisation, and capacity building, in close cooperation with the European and global bodies.
High-Level Participation
The conference should gather:
- Ministers of Transport from the Western Balkans
- CEOs of railway undertakings and infrastructure managers
- International financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and the French Development Agency
- Leading logistics and freight operators
- European innovation and research bodies, including the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking and the European Rail Research Advisory Council
Strategic Priorities
1. Regional Connectivity and Integration
Developing seamless cross-border rail links and strengthening integration into European corridors
2. Investment and Financing
Unlocking large-scale funding for modern, resilient, and sustainable rail infrastructure
3. Competitive Rail Freight and Logistics
Positioning rail as a backbone of regional and international supply chains though concrete project to support the international corridors – interoperable solutions
4. Innovation and Technological Leadership
Deploying next-generation solutions, including digital operations and data sharing, 5G telecoms - FRMCS, predictive maintenance, and automation
Expected Outcomes
- Identification of priority regional rail projects
- Strengthened dialogue between governments, railways, and financiers
- New partnerships across rail, logistics, and innovation ecosystems
- Clear positioning of UIC as a facilitator of knowledge, standards, and implementation support through concrete projects and technical solutions
- Enhanced positioning of South-East Europe as a key gateway between Europe and global markets
Strategic Message
Rail is a driver of sovereignty, connectivity, and sustainable prosperity.
Through strengthened cooperation, targeted investment, and the support of partners such as the International Union of Railways, South-East Europe has the opportunity to build a modern, interoperable, and future-ready railway system, fully integrated into the European and global transport network.
Draft agenda
Day 1 – 16 June 2026
19:00 Cocktail Reception – SEESARI 10th Anniversary
Day 2 – 17 June 2026
09:00 – 09:30
Welcome Coffee & Networking
Arrival of government representatives, railway CEOs, international financial institutions,
and logistics leaders.
09:30 – 10:00
1. High-Level Opening Session
Opening Remarks
- Ranko Šekularac, State Secretary, Ministry of Transport
- François Davenne, Director General, International Union of Railways (UIC)
- Peter Verlič, Executive Chairman, SEESARI
- Slaven Tica, General Director, CIP
Key Messages
Motto: Driving the Future of Rail: Connectivity, Sustainability and Digital Transformation
- Strategic importance of rail for regional connectivity
- Cooperation between South-East Europe and European rail stakeholders
- Role of innovation and digital technologies in railway transformation
10:00 – 11:15
2. Leaders’ Roundtable on the Future of Mobility
Building a Connected Western Balkan Rail Network
Participants
- Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure - Republic Serbia
- Ministry of Transport - Montenegro
- Ministry of Communication and Transport - Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ministry of Transport – Republic of North Macedonia
- Ministry of Infrastructure – Republic of Slovenia
Moderator: François Davenne, Director General, UIC
Discussion Topics
- Cross-border rail infrastructure priorities
- Integration with TEN-T European corridors
- Interoperability and signalling modernisation
- Passenger and freight connectivity in the Western Balkans
Expected Outcome
Identification of priority regional rail cooperation projects leading to a joint position
paper.
11:15 – 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:30
3. Financing Rail Modernisation in South-East Europe
Panel Discussion with International Financial Institutions
Participants
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- World Bank
- French Development Agency (AFD)
- Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking
- UIC – International Union of Railways
- TCDD – Turkish state railways, tbc
Discussion Topics
- Financing railway infrastructure modernisation
- Public-private partnerships for rail
- Supporting green and sustainable mobility investments
- Financing digitalisation and innovation projects
Moderator: tbc
12:30 – 13:30
Networking Lunch
Afternoon Session
4. Rail Freight, Corridors, Logistics and Innovation
13:30 – 14:45
Rail Freight and Logistics Competitiveness
Participants
- Rail Cargo Group
- Milšped, Serbia
- TCDD – Turkish state railways, tbc
- ZRMS – Macedonian Railway Infrastructure, tbc
- UIC – International Union of Railways
Topics
- Increasing rail’s share in freight transport
- Development of intermodal transport
- Cross-border freight flows in the Western Balkans
- Integration of logistics companies with railway services
Moderator: Sandra Géhénot, UIC
14:45 – 15:45
5. Innovation for the Railway of the Future
Participants
- SEESARI – mag. Blaž Jemenšek, Independent Researcher and Project Manager
- ERRAC - European Rail Research Advisory Council
- Trafikverket
- CIP
Topics
- Digital rail operations
- Predictive maintenance
- Data platforms for rail infrastructure and rolling stock
- Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC)
- Satellite positioning technologies (GNSS / EGNOS)
- Training programmes and student exchanges
Moderator: SEESARI
15:45 – 16:00
Coffee Break
16:00 – 16:30
6. Closing Session
Summary of Key Outcomes
Closing Remarks
- UIC
- SEESARI
- CIP
Further information here: https://seesari.org/save-the-date-seesari-high-level-conference-uic-regional-days-belgrade-june-2026/