Talis Linkaits has taken up the role of Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community.
Linkaits thanked members of the organisation’s Regional Steering Committee for selecting him and said he would focus on “service, professionalism and results”, he said in a statement distributed Thursday by the European Commission.
The Transport Community is a regional body that works on bringing Western Balkan transport rules and networks closer to the European Union’s standards, including by supporting alignment with the EU acquis — the shared body of EU law and regulations.
Linkaits said the Western Balkans’ economic potential depended in part on deeper regional cooperation and closer integration with the EU, adding that transport networks were central to connecting markets and facilitating trade.
He noted that the organisation had supported work to align legislation with EU rules, promoted investment linked to the Trans-European Transport Network, and strengthened institutions and cooperation between transport professionals, public authorities, lenders, civil society and businesses.
Focus on delivery and cross-border links
Linkaits said he would build on the work of his predecessor, Matej Zakonjšek, and focus on faster and more visible implementation of existing commitments, the statement said.
In the coming years, he said he would work with regional partners, the European Commission and international financial institutions to deliver priority transport projects, remove cross-border bottlenecks, promote “sustainable and smart mobility”, and improve transport safety.
He also called for governments and public authorities to lead reforms, and said parliaments had a role in adopting legislation for closer EU integration and providing democratic oversight.
Linkaits said he wanted to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova on closer integration with the European transport system, including by sharing expertise and supporting legislative alignment.
