Study for assessing the current availability, quality, and compliance with the relevant EU legislation regarding the rest areas and safe and secure parking areas along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in the Western Balkans

The Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community aims to conclude a service contract for preparation of the Study whose primary aim is to review the transposition of the TEN-T Regulation 1679/2024 in the Western Balkans region and to assess the current availability, quality, and compliance with the relevant EU legislation regarding the rest areas (RAs) and safe and secure parking areas (SSTPAs) along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in the Western Balkans. The Study will deliver an inventory of RAs and SSTPAs along the TEN-T network (including border crossing points) in the Western Balkans populating TODIS (Transport Observatory Database/Information System) with these data, assessing their compliance with EU safety, security, and service standards. It will identify critical gaps, evaluate future demand, and provide policy, technical and investment recommendations for infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, it will outline key findings and an action plan for implementation, supporting alignment with TEN-T requirements and enhancing road transport efficiency and safety. This Study could be helpful in situation that some of Western Balkans Regional Partners do not have defined locations and reserved spaces for RAs and SSTPAs within their spatial planning documentation. This Study will also enhance regulatory alignment with EU policies and practices. Specific tasks, deliverables, and requirements will be detailed and described in the Tender Specifications.