During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, borders became choke points, threatening the flow of essential goods and endangering the livelihoods of millions. Supply chains strained under the weight of delays, and businesses faced mounting losses. Yet, in the face of this crisis, an innovative solution emerged—the Green Lanes Initiative.
Developed through a collaboration between the Transport Community, CEFTA, and the European Union, Green Lanes were designed to be more than a stopgap measure. They represented a bold new vision for connectivity, built on modernisation, digitalisation, and cooperation. The results? Nearly 20 years’ worth of cumulative border waiting time saved and a foundation for a more resilient trade network.
The story of transformation
For Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Transport Community, Green Lanes have made a tangible difference. “Trucks such as this one used to wait too long at border crossings in the Western Balkans. It negatively affected trade, CO2 emissions, and road safety,” he shares.
“Thanks to EU support, we are now seeing shorter waiting times, modernised crossings, and safer journeys. This creates real value for our citizens, businesses, and visitors to this beautiful region”
Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Transport Community
These changes go beyond easing logistical bottlenecks. Green Lanes have become a symbol of what’s possible when regional cooperation flourishes. Governments, customs administrations, and businesses have come together, demonstrating the power of collective action to solve shared challenges.
A vision for the future
Building on its success, the Green Lanes Initiative is evolving to connect the Western Balkans more deeply with the EU and modernise key border crossings. Digital innovations, such as the SEED+ system and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, are streamlining customs processes, reducing delays, and cutting costs. Agreements between countries— like those linking Croatia and Montenegro, Italy and Albania or Greece and North Macedonia —showcase how Green Lanes are becoming a bridge to the EU single market.
As Danijela Gačević, Acting Director of CEFTA, aptly puts it, “Establishing green lanes between the region and the EU is a game-changer. It makes trade faster, cheaper, and safer, creating more opportunities for businesses and people.”
Meanwhile, investments of €50 million are upgrading 11 major border points with new infrastructure, digital systems, and enhanced security measures. These include additional lanes, weighbridges, and electronic queuing systems, ensuring faster and more efficient crossings.
From the perspective of the business community, Stevica Čarapić highlights the urgency of addressing border inefficiencies. “The greatest challenge we are facing today is the huge waiting times at border crossings. This inefficiency affects not just individual countries but the competitiveness of the entire region. With the Green Lanes Initiative, we hope to see significant improvements in cargo flow and cooperation between governments to reduce delays and streamline processes.”
He also points out that, in some instances, queues have stretched as long as 15 kilometres, with drivers waiting for days to cross. “This is not just a logistical problem; it’s a barrier to progress for everyone in the region,” he adds.
A human-centred approach
The Green Lanes Initiative doesn’t just benefit businesses—it transforms lives. Professional drivers now spend less time waiting and more time on the road, reducing stress and improving safety. Travellers face fewer delays, making holidays more enjoyable. Local communities experience the ripple effects of stronger economies and increased job opportunities.
As Matej observes, “With modernised crossings, we are not only reducing waiting times but also creating a safer and more efficient environment for everyone. This is the best way to add value to our region.”
The road ahead
The success of Green Lanes is a testament to the power of partnership. It’s a story of resilience and innovation, showing how crises can inspire lasting change. As the Western Balkans and the EU continue to work together, the vision of seamless connectivity and shared prosperity comes closer to reality.
By investing in digitalisation, modernisation, and regional cooperation, the Green Lanes Initiative is paving the way for a brighter future. It’s more than a logistical improvement; it’s a movement toward unity, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.
“Thanks to EU support, we are now seeing shorter waiting times, modernised crossings, and safer journeys. This creates real value for our citizens, businesses, and visitors to this beautiful region”
Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Transport CommunityThese changes go beyond easing logistical bottlenecks. Green Lanes have become a symbol of what’s possible when regional cooperation flourishes. Governments, customs administrations, and businesses have come together, demonstrating the power of collective action to solve shared challenges.
A vision for the future
Building on its success, the Green Lanes Initiative is evolving to connect the Western Balkans more deeply with the EU and modernise key border crossings. Digital innovations, such as the SEED+ system and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, are streamlining customs processes, reducing delays, and cutting costs. Agreements between countries— like those linking Croatia and Montenegro, Italy and Albania or Greece and North Macedonia —showcase how Green Lanes are becoming a bridge to the EU single market.
As Danijela Gačević, Acting Director of CEFTA, aptly puts it, “Establishing green lanes between the region and the EU is a game-changer. It makes trade faster, cheaper, and safer, creating more opportunities for businesses and people.”
Meanwhile, investments of €50 million are upgrading 11 major border points with new infrastructure, digital systems, and enhanced security measures. These include additional lanes, weighbridges, and electronic queuing systems, ensuring faster and more efficient crossings.
From the perspective of the business community, Stevica Čarapić highlights the urgency of addressing border inefficiencies. “The greatest challenge we are facing today is the huge waiting times at border crossings. This inefficiency affects not just individual countries but the competitiveness of the entire region. With the Green Lanes Initiative, we hope to see significant improvements in cargo flow and cooperation between governments to reduce delays and streamline processes.”
He also points out that, in some instances, queues have stretched as long as 15 kilometres, with drivers waiting for days to cross. “This is not just a logistical problem; it’s a barrier to progress for everyone in the region,” he adds.
A human-centred approach
The Green Lanes Initiative doesn’t just benefit businesses—it transforms lives. Professional drivers now spend less time waiting and more time on the road, reducing stress and improving safety. Travellers face fewer delays, making holidays more enjoyable. Local communities experience the ripple effects of stronger economies and increased job opportunities.
As Matej observes, “With modernised crossings, we are not only reducing waiting times but also creating a safer and more efficient environment for everyone. This is the best way to add value to our region.”
The road ahead
The success of Green Lanes is a testament to the power of partnership. It’s a story of resilience and innovation, showing how crises can inspire lasting change. As the Western Balkans and the EU continue to work together, the vision of seamless connectivity and shared prosperity comes closer to reality.
By investing in digitalisation, modernisation, and regional cooperation, the Green Lanes Initiative is paving the way for a brighter future. It’s more than a logistical improvement; it’s a movement toward unity, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.
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