What was discussed?
On August 20, 2024, a significant business visit took place in Skopje between Ms. Renata Shverko, owner of the Munich-based railway transport company Optima Tours, and Mr. Dejan Košutić, General Director of MZT Transport AD-Skopje. The meeting was centered around strengthening cross-border passenger railway connections and reviving long-standing routes. With Optima Tours’ 35 years of successful experience in passenger train transport across Europe and the Balkans, the occasion marked an important step toward regional mobility and sustainable travel solutions.
Reopening the Belgrade – Skopje – Thessaloniki Route
The central topic was the revival of the passenger railway line Belgrade – Skopje – Thessaloniki, now as part of a larger route: Budapest – Belgrade – Skopje – Thessaloniki – Athens. The project promotes trains as a safe, eco-friendly, and comfortable alternative to buses and planes.
Both sides agreed on short- and long-term steps, aiming for the route to be fully operational by EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, an event expected to attract thousands of international visitors.
Mr. Košutić emphasized:
“In theory it is a vision, but in practice it is a realistic plan… With us, the visualization of this project is very clear.”
Vision for the Future: Towards Sustainable Passenger Transport
The meeting highlighted a joint commitment to modern, sustainable mobility in Southeast Europe. By reopening this line, Optima Tours and MZT Transport will reconnect people, cultures, and economies, giving railway transport a renewed role in the region.
