SARAJEVO – Clear institutional responsibilities, reliable transport data and skilled staff are essential to making transport systems smarter and more efficient. These priorities guided the Transport Community workshop “Setting Up National Bodies and National Access Points: Roles, Data and Implementation”, held at in Sarajevo on 28 October 2026.
With a particular focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the workshop explored the practical steps needed to establish the institutions and data-sharing arrangements that support Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). These systems help turn transport data into useful information for road users, public authorities and service providers, supporting safer and better-informed journeys.
Opening the workshop, Transport Community Road Coordinator Nerejda Hoxha introduced the Growth Plan and the wider context for transport reforms. Other sessions examined the EU ITS framework and its implications for establishing National Bodies and National Access Points.
Discussions focused on two complementary tasks: defining the responsibilities of a National Body and developing a National Access Point through which transport data can be made accessible. Participants explored institutional mandates, coordination with data providers and enforcement authorities, and examples from EU Member States.
Interactive sessions used Bosnia and Herzegovina as a case study to examine readiness for implementation. Group exercises focused on existing institutions, legal and technical gaps, overlapping responsibilities and opportunities for early progress. Participants were also invited to assess the resources and institutional arrangements needed to establish a National Body.
The afternoon discussions addressed the practical choices involved in developing a National Access Point, including priority data categories, available data sources, ownership, standards, hosting options and estimated costs. Particular attention was given to identifying missing or duplicated data and clarifying responsibilities for its provision.
The workshop concluded with a discussion on capacity-building needs, covering legal expertise, IT skills and data governance. Participants considered staff training and recruitment needs, alongside indicative implementation milestones and their links to legislation, procurement and budget decisions.
