BELGRADE – The Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community presented the results of its study “Assessment of Setting up National Access Points and National Bodies in the Regional Partners” at an online dissemination event on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, bringing together regional authorities, EU institutions, and international partners.
Completed in December 2025, the study provides a comprehensive assessment of the readiness of the Western Balkans to implement EU requirements on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It examines institutional, legal, and technical frameworks across the six regional partners and identifies key gaps in data availability, standardisation, and sharing.
The findings show that while significant volumes of transport data are collected across the region, they remain fragmented and often underused. This limits their potential for supporting transport planning, safety monitoring, and evidence-based policymaking. To address these challenges, the study highlights two main priorities: the establishment of National Access Points as single gateways for transport data, and the designation of National Bodies responsible for data governance, quality assurance, and compliance.
A central feature of the assessment is the development of tailor-made, costed roadmaps for each regional partner. These roadmaps clearly outline the actions required, the institutions responsible, and the estimated resources needed to align with Directive (EU) 2023/2661. This approach ensures that the recommendations are practical, realistic, and ready for implementation.
To access and read the study, please click here.
National Access Points play a key role in Europe’s digital transport architecture. They provide a secure and standardised platform where transport-related data can be accessed and reused by public authorities, service providers, researchers, and businesses. By facilitating cross-border data exchange, they support interoperable travel and traffic services and contribute to the creation of a Single European Transport Area.
The study also underlines the importance of capacity building and regional cooperation, including close engagement with European initiatives such as NAPCORE. Strengthening technical expertise, institutional knowledge, and operational skills will be essential for turning the study’s recommendations into concrete results.
By supporting digitalisation, improved data governance, and interoperability, the findings contribute to the region’s integration into the European mobility data ecosystem. With relatively modest investment needs and strong political commitment, the establishment of National Access Points and National Bodies offers significant long-term benefits for citizens, businesses, and public authorities.
The Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community will continue working closely with regional partners, EU institutions, and international financial institutions to support the next phase: coordinated implementation, targeted investments, and the effective use of European best practices to deliver reliable, and connected transport systems across the Western Balkans.
