Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative Brings the BSEC Road Transport Community Together
The Hellenic International Road Transport Association (OFAE) hosted the Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative, bringing together representatives of the BSEC road transport community to support the development of one of the most strategic border crossings connecting Greece, Türkiye and the wider Black Sea region on 23th July 2026 in Kipi Border Crossing Point.
Recognising that efficient border crossings are essential for regional connectivity, trade facilitation and economic growth, the initiative gathered representatives of BSEC-URTA member associations and international transport experts to identify practical measures for enhancing the operational capacity of the Kipi Border Crossing.
The international delegation included BSEC-URTA President and ANALTIR President Mr. Eduart Kasa, BSEC-URTA Deputy President and President of Best Mobility Ms. Olivera Miovska, BSEC-URTA Senior Expert Mr. Adrian Albu, BSEC-URTA Deputy Secretary General Mr. Alpdoğan Kahraman, together with representatives of the Turkish International Transporters’ Association (UND), including Vice Chairman of the Executive Board Mr. Kadir Çirkin and Member of the UND Greece Working Group Mr. Oktay Tarhan.
The delegation was welcomed and accompanied by the OFAE delegation consisting of Mr. Apostolos Kenanidis, Secretary General, Mr. Kostas Zouri, Deputy Secretary General, and Ms. Iro Doumani, General Manager.
During the technical programme, the delegation held meetings with Mr. Christos Nakos, Director of the Kipi Customs Office, representatives of the Kipi Police Department and Border Police Authorities, Mr. Vangelis Poulilios, Deputy Regional Governor of Evros, and a representative of the office of Mr. Stavros Keletsis, Member of the Hellenic Parliament for the Evros Region.
The discussions focused on practical measures to increase the efficiency and capacity of the Kipi Border Crossing. While infrastructure investments currently under construction are expected to improve operations by the end of 2026, participants underlined that physical investments alone will not unlock Kipi’s full potential. Digitalisation, coordinated border management, intelligent queue management systems, process optimisation and stronger operational cooperation between neighbouring authorities were identified as equally important priorities.
Participants also noted that, as many border crossings throughout the Black Sea region continue to introduce coordinated controls, digital customs solutions and modern border management concepts, Kipi has a unique opportunity to become a flagship example of regional connectivity by combining infrastructure improvements with operational excellence.
Prior to the technical visit, the participating organisations had already agreed upon and submitted a joint letter to His Excellency Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, outlining concrete recommendations to enhance the efficiency, connectivity and international transit capacity of the Kipi Border Crossing. The site visit formed part of the joint follow-up efforts to support the implementation of these recommendations through continued dialogue with local and national authorities.
The Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative reflects BSEC-URTA’s continued commitment to promoting regional cooperation, smarter borders, digital transformation and sustainable transport corridors that facilitate international trade and strengthen connectivity across the BSEC region.
