Thessaloniki at the Heart of International Transport – 47th BSEC-URTA General Assembly Successfully Hosted by OFAE

Thessaloniki, 08 June 2026

Thessaloniki at the Heart of International Transport – 47th BSEC-URTA General Assembly Successfully Hosted by OFAE

The proceedings of the 47th General Assembly of BSEC-URTA (Black Sea Economic Cooperation – Union of Road Transport Associations), hosted in Thessaloniki by the Hellenic Federation of Road Transport (OFAE) at the end of May, concluded with great success, reaffirming the pivotal role of Greece—and particularly Thessaloniki—on the map of international transport and logistics in Southeast Europe.

This major international event brought together high-level representatives of international organizations, national road transport associations, institutional bodies, government authorities, and executives from the transport and logistics sector from across the Black Sea region, the Balkans, and beyond.

This year’s event held special significance for OFAE, as it coincided with the Federation’s 90th anniversary. OFAE has been a member of BSEC-URTA for 25 years and an active member of IRU for more than 70 years, demonstrating that international cooperation has always been an integral part of the Greek road transport community’s strategy and mission.

During the General Assembly, held at the Makedonia Palace Hotel, as well as the institutional and business meetings that took place between 21–23 May 2026, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the challenges and prospects of international road transport, regional connectivity, modern logistics infrastructure, and the sector’s adaptation to new digital technologies.

Key topics discussed included:

• Digitalization of transport and the implementation of tools such as eTIR and eCMR
• Border crossing challenges and long waiting times at EU–third country borders
• The need to expand Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPAs)
• The impact of rising fuel prices on international road transport
• Driver shortages and professional driver wellbeing
• Strengthening regional cooperation and intermodal transport solutions.

Particular attention was given to the visit of the BSEC-URTA delegation to the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT/CERTH) in Thessaloniki, where innovative applications and research projects related to transport digitalization, logistics management, sustainable mobility, intelligent transport systems, and ESG tools for the road transport sector were presented. The visit highlighted the importance of cooperation between research institutions, businesses, and international organizations in developing modern and resilient transport solutions.

In his statement, OFAE President Mr Dimitrios Fokaidis emphasized:

"Hosting the 47th BSEC-URTA General Assembly in Thessaloniki is a great honour for OFAE and the Greek transport community. At a time when international transport and supply chains face significant geopolitical, economic and technological challenges, cooperation among countries and stakeholders in the region is more important than ever. Thessaloniki has once again demonstrated that it possesses all the characteristics required to play a leading role as a transport, logistics and trade hub in Southeast Europe. As the newly elected President of OFAE, I am committed to continuing our work with a spirit of cooperation, openness and innovation, strengthening the competitiveness of Greek transport and further enhancing our international partnerships."

A common theme in the statements delivered by international representatives of the transport and logistics sector was the recognition of OFAE’s excellent organization of the General Assembly and the strategic importance of Thessaloniki for international transport. Participants underlined that the city’s geographical position makes it a natural gateway to the Balkans and Southeast Europe, with significant potential to develop as a regional hub for trade, transit and intermodal transport.

Emphasis was also placed on the need to accelerate investments in connectivity infrastructure, including road, rail, port and intermodal networks, so that the region can fully capitalize on its geo-economic advantages and strengthen its competitiveness in international freight flows.

Welcome addresses were delivered by Mr Kostas Gioutikas, Deputy Regional Governor of the Thessaloniki Metropolitan Unit, and Mr Nikolaos Fokas, Commercial Director of the Thessaloniki Port Authority (ThPA S.A.), who highlighted the strategic role of the Port of Thessaloniki, the development prospects of intermodal transport and the enhancement of regional connectivity between Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region. Mr Kyriakos Merelis, President of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Professionals, also attended the event.

The successful organization of the event was supported by the OFAE management team and event partners under the coordination of Ms Iro Doumani, Director General of OFAE, IRU Vice President and Chair of the IRU Goods Transport Council (CTM).

Among the distinguished international participants were:

• H.E. Lazar Comanescu, Secretary General, BSEC
• H.E. Young Tae Kim, Secretary General, International Transport Forum (ITF)
• Ms Valentina-Antoaneta Cobzareanu, Deputy Secretary General, PABSEC
• Ms Elif Tunali-Nikoglou, Principal Banker, General Industries, Transport and Tourism, BSTDB
• Mr Radu Dinescu, President, IRU
• Mr Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU
• Mr Eduart Kasa, President, BSEC-URTA
• Mr Mehmet Uylukcu, Secretary General, BSEC-URTA

The strong international participation and high-level representation confirmed the institutional, economic and geopolitical significance of the event, while further strengthening cooperation prospects among countries of the region in the fields of transport, logistics and international trade.

Through the organization of the 47th BSEC-URTA General Assembly, OFAE reaffirmed its active international role and its commitment to strengthening the international outlook of the Greek transport community, contributing to the promotion of Greece as a pillar of connectivity and freight mobility in Southeast Europe.

OFAE would like to express its sincere gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the 47th BSEC-URTA General Assembly:

Strategic Supporter
• Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A. (ThPA)

Lead Sponsor
• Goldair Cargo S.A.

Supporting Sponsors
• Grimaldi Group
• Aegean Motorway S.A.
• Steel International Trading Company LLC

Contributing Sponsors
• Levia Hub – Supply Chain Master
• Thomaidis Transport & Logistics GmbH
• TSANOGLou & Partners – T.Solutions
• Metrinos Insurance Services

Supported By
• Thessaloniki Chamber of Professionals
• Athens Chamber of Professionals
• Pella Chamber of Commerce

Mobility Support Sponsors
• Amfipoli Travel
• Excellent Luxury Car & Bus Services
• Crazy Holidays