UfM Transport Platform sets course for final phase of Regional Transport Action Plan implementation
29 April 2026, Online. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Regional Platform on Transport Connectivity and its Working Groups on Land, Air, and Maritime Transport convened online on 29 April 2026 to advance the implementation of the Regional Transport Action Plan (RTAP) 2021–2027. The meetings, co-chaired by the European Commission’s DG MOVE and the Jordanian Ministry of Transport, gathered National Coordinators, Focal Points, and representatives from regional and international partner organisations. Discussions marked a shift from the RTAP mid-term review to a more delivery focused phase for 2026–2027.
Participants agreed that the final implementation stage of the RTAP requires a stronger operational focus, clearer prioritisation, and enhanced regional coordination. The strategic direction provided by the UfM Vision Statement and the new Pact for the Mediterranean framed the discussions, underscoring the need for sustainable, integrated, and resilient transport connectivity across the region. Member States expressed broad alignment on moving from stocktaking to concrete implementation, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as regulatory gaps, limited institutional capacity, and insufficient funding.
Across all Working Groups, several cross-cutting needs emerged, including enhanced regulatory convergence, stronger institutional capacity, improved access to financing, and more effective data collection and monitoring systems. Participants also underlined the importance of better coordination between regional initiatives and national implementation efforts to maximise impact.
In the concluding session, discussed strategic priorities for delivering the RTAP by 2027. There was broad agreement on the need to define a focused set of regional priorities for the final implementation phase, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and advance the development of the Trans-Mediterranean Transport Network.
The meetings reaffirmed the commitment of UfM Member States and partners to work collaboratively toward achieving the objectives of the RTAP 2021–2027, with renewed focus on implementation, impact, and regional integration.
