This study is the continuation of the first Orient/East-Med (OEM) Corridor Study, which was elaborated between 2014- 2015, and its second phase, which was elaborated between 2015-2017.

The main outcomes of this study entailed the identification and description of the Corridor’s characteristics, i.e, the multimodal transport infrastructure and the market related transport flows, as well as their compliance with Regulations’ stipulations (TEN-T Regulation 1315/2013). This led to the identification of critical issues, which hinder an efficient and seamless operation of the Corridor, and the definition of Corridor development objectives. Finally, the study included a record of all on-going and planned infrastructure projects making up a Corridor Implementation Plan. Given its one calendar year duration, several aspects of the Corridor were not yet entirely developed in this first stage of analysis. To this end, DG MOVE of the European Commission awarded this study in order to follow up the original work.

Within this framework, the main objectives and activities of the study were:

  • Critical Review of the existing Corridor Study and identification of potential improvements.
  • Development of single common methodologies for evaluating the Core Network Corridors.
  • Updating of Elements of the Work Plan for the implementation of the Corridor.
  • Preparation, support and follow-up of the meetings of the Corridor Forum, including the Working Group meetings.
  • Additional support to the Corridor Coordinator (DG MOVE), upon request.

Apart from the previously mentioned tasks, which mainly focus on the OEM Corridor within the EU Member States, the study also examined the potential connection of the OEM Corridor within the Western Balkans Region. To this end, the existing Western Balkans Core Transport Network which is related to the OEM Corridor was also examined, in terms of compliance with the TEN-T standards (TEN-T Regulation 1315/2013, as amended in February 2016). Furthermore, all ongoing or planned projects were recorded, in order to develop an Implementation Plan for the connection of the OEM Corridor with the Western Balkans Core Transport Networks. The analysis also included the identification of climate change-related threats which may impact the examined transport systems within the region, as well as the identification of measures for the mitigation of adverse environmental impacts.

Client: European Commission | Year: 2018-2022