Bsec-Urta

BSEC-URTA Passenger Transport Working Party Successfully Held on 9 April 2026

The BSEC-URTA Passenger Transport Working Party Meeting was successfully held online on 9 April 2026, bringing together representatives from member associations and key stakeholders across the region.
During the meeting, a wide range of critical issues affecting passenger transport were discussed. One of the most important conclusions was the strong overlap between the challenges faced by passenger and freight transport sectors, highlighting the need for a more coordinated and joint approach.

The initiator of the Working Party, Ms. Aslı Çalık, emphasized the importance of acting together on common challenges, a view that was strongly supported by all participants.

Key topics addressed during the meeting included:
• Border crossing delays
• Digitalisation of transport systems
• Driver visa issues
• The need for more predictable conditions in passenger transport between the EU and neighbouring countries
• Potential operational impacts of upcoming EU systems such as EES and ETIAS, which may lead to increased uncertainty and delays

Participants underlined that ensuring predictability and operational stability in passenger transport is becoming increasingly critical.

Participants also discussed the upcoming implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to enter into force on 10 April 2026. In this context, it was agreed that the impact of the EES system on the transport sector will be closely monitored, and the findings obtained from this process will be evaluated and discussed at the 47th Meeting of the BSEC-URTA General Assembly in Thessaloniki.

A special country case presentation was delivered by Mr. Mr. Volodymyr Balin, Vice President of ASMAP Ukraine, who highlighted the importance of road transport as the only functioning international transport mode in Ukraine under current war conditions. His presentation demonstrated the strategic importance of maintaining strong and resilient road transport systems globally.

It was also noted that current driver visa challenges have already led to protests in some regions, reinforcing the need to recognize the international driver profession as a globally acknowledged status.
In addition, Mr. Erman Ereke, IRU Istanbul General Delegate, provided insights into IRU’s ongoing work in the field of passenger transport. Representatives from the University of Geneva also underlined the importance of stronger cooperation between academia and the transport sector.

The Working Party extended its sincere appreciation to:

• Mr. Sergii Krevchenko for his continued support to BSEC-URTA
• Ms. Vesna Djordjevic for successfully chairing the meeting
• ASMAP Ukraine for their valuable contribution

BSEC-URTA: Bridging the Gender Gap and Tackling Driver Shortage in Road Transport

BSEC-URTA held a pivotal online meeting of the Working Party on the Role of Women in Road Transport on March 16, 2026. Chaired by the newly appointed Chairperson, Ms. Elizabeta Ivanovska (BEST MOBILITY-NTA), the session focused on strategic solutions to the regional driver shortage and the promotion of gender diversity within the logistics sector.
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A Regional Blueprint: The Women Driver Academy

A central highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Türkiye’s “UND Women Truck Driver Academy” as a best practice model for the BSEC region. Presented by Ms. Elif Nuhoğlu, EU and International Relations Unit Manager of UND, the Academy has been operational since December 8, 2025.

The Academy stands as a unique collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR). Key features of the model include:
• Direct Employment: Graduates are integrated immediately into international transport companies.
• Specialized Curriculum: A 100-hour module developed with Istanbul University (İÜSEM), involving experts from academia, public authorities, and the private sector.
• Government Incentives: Financial support for companies employing female graduates to ensure long-term sustainability.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Change
The Working Party reached a consensus that training alone is insufficient without modernizing infrastructure. Members emphasized that upgrading truck parking facilities to EU standards is a social necessity to make the profession inclusive.

The discussions identified three critical pillars for infrastructure development:
1. Safety & Security: Enhanced monitoring and secure environments to encourage female participation.
2. Gender-Equitable Facilities: Ensuring high-standard sanitation, rest areas, and dedicated zones for all drivers.
3. Regional Synergy: Encouraging BSEC member associations to replicate these standards through coordination with the BSEC-URTA International Secretariat.
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Conclusion and Outlook
The meeting concluded that addressing the driver shortage requires a dual approach: comprehensive training initiatives combined with infrastructure modernization. The establishment of Women Driver Academies and the upgrading of parking facilities are now recognized as top priorities for the sustainable growth of road transport in the BSEC region.

The outcomes of this session will be formally shared with all member organizations to facilitate the implementation of these strategic goals across the region.

BSEC-URTA Delegation Participated in IRU Reception and Events in Brussels

IRU’s traditional annual events, bringing together key stakeholders of the international road transport sector in the heart of Europe’s decision-making center, Brussels, took place on 3–4 March 2026.

A BSEC-URTA delegation, consisting of President Mr. Eduart Kasa, Deputy President Ms. Olivera Miovska, Deputy Secretary General Mr. Alpdoğan Kahraman, and BSEC Experts Ms. Elif Nuhoglu and Ms. Sadiye Nuhoglu, participated in these important gatherings.

During the events, the BSEC-URTA delegation had the opportunity to discuss several key issues affecting the road transport sector, including the vital mobility and connectivity between Europe and the BSEC region and beyond, as well as visa facilitation solutions for professional drivers operating in international transport corridors.

The delegation also had the honour to exchange views with H.E. Ms. Eliza Vozemberg, Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee in the European Parliament. BSEC-URTA expressed its appreciation for her positive consideration of participating in the BSEC-URTA General Assembly, which will take place in Thessaloniki on 22 May 2026.

The delegation was also accompanied by long-standing partners and friends of the BSEC-URTA community, Ms. Iro Doumani, President of the IRU Goods Transport Council, and Ms. Aslı Çalık, Member of the IRU Board.

BSEC-URTA would like to express its sincere appreciation to IRU for organizing such an important event that brings together the Brussels transport community to discuss the future and challenges of international road transport.

BSEC-URTA also extends its gratitude to H.E. Ms. Eliza Vozemberg for her continuous support for strengthening mobility and connectivity, which remain among the most vital pillars of today’s global economy.