The TEN-T Orient/East-Med Corridor (OEM) connects Hamburg and Athens via the Southeastern member states of the European Union (EU). Significant investments were done along the corridor and further investments are targeted by the European Union for future. However, rail transport infrastructure and offer remain on a low level in the Southeastern corridor sections. From a European perspective, the development of the Orient/East-Med Corridor is of a particular importance to enhance European cohesion between Western and Southeastern member states. Nowadays other countries’ foreign interests are focused on the region, as well. These interests call for a European strategy on the future corridor development in Southeast Europe. Before such a strategy can be developed, a clear overview on the current railway infrastructure is necessary. This paper gives an overview on the main railway links in Southeast Europe, including the EU as well as the non-EU member states. The overview contains information on the number of tracks and the fulfilment of the TEN-T technical parameters for track infrastructure. Likewise, projected upgrade measures are included in the overview. In addition, information on train management and operating in the area is provided.
The overview clarifies, that a modern railway transport corridor will be available along the TEN-T Rhine-Danube Corridor in few years from Austria via Hungary and Romania to the Black Sea. Also, completion will be reached on the OEM Corridor’s east-west section across Bulgaria and the national north-south section in Greece. However, beyond 2030 the infrastructure will remain inadequate along the OEM north-south section Romania-Bulgaria-Greece. To ensure the operability of the mentioned corridor, simpler, but feasible modernizations should be realized here. In return, a full integration of the Western Balkans into the TEN-T network may be a useful element for efficient long-distance transports to Southeast Europe. A European strategy taking these findings into account, can open a chance for a more successful corridor development and the avoidance of alternative global influence in Southeastern Europe.

Trans European Transport Networks, Southeastern Europe, Orient/East-Med Corridor, railway infrastructure, train management and operating