“Modern Railways under conditions of a liberalised market”

A forum was held to mark the European Year of Rail where there was a discussion on modernization and restructuring of the railway sector.

ZAGREB, 22 November 2021 The forum was held on “Modern Railways under conditions of a liberalised market” to celebrate the European Year of Rail organized by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) and the Alliance for Railways, The participants were welcomed by Tonko Obuljen, Chairman at HAKOM and Ante Klečina, president at Pro Rail Alliance.

Preceding the panel discussion, preliminary lectures were held by Alen Gospočić, the State Secretary at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Nikola Popović, member of the Council at HAKOM and Ante Klečina, president of the Railway Alliance. In their presentations they referred to modernization and restructuring of the railway sector, market competition as an initiator of railway sector, and the contribution of sustainable development of railway transport to the overall national economy.

The activities undertaken under the European Railway Year aim to provide the increase of share of rail transport in the overall transport market. Various events, projects and activities in Europe highlight the different dimensions of railways from the European railway innovation industry to the role of railways in the European culture and heritage, an important role in connecting regions, people and businesses, the role in sustainable tourism, and its involvement in Europe's relations with the neighbouring countries.

The panel was concluded with a panel discussion attended by Ivan Kršić, CEO of the Croatian Railways, Dragan Marčinko, CEO of the Croatian Railways, Željko Ukić, CEO of the Croatian Passenger Transport Authority, Josip Ninić, KONČAR Electric Vehicles CEO, Boris Rosanda. Managing Director at Transagent Rail Ltd. and Denis Vukorepa, Rijeka Port Authority. The panel discussed the modernization programme for railway infrastructure, the challenges encountered by old and new railway freight transport operators liberalised in Croatia in 2013, the role of the domestic railway industry in modernising the national passenger rolling stock, the benefits brought by the new concession in Rijeka's port to the railway sector and the Croatian economy, as well as other current economic issues.
 
Presentations and panel discussions can also be seen via HAKOM’s Youtube channel on the following link.