The conference, organised by the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) and the Pro rail Alliance, a non-profit association, was intended to encourage dialogue between stakeholders in the rail transport market.
Also, the academic community, public agencies and local authorities were invited to join the dialogue.
According to data presented at the event, in 2023, there were 19 companies registered as freight undertakings in the rail system, and 13 of them were active.
As regards passenger transport, there are now two companies - HŽ Putnički prijevoz d.o.o. and Rail Cargo Carrier Croatia.
"All of them face various challenges on the market and one of them is delivering services according to the timetable," HAKOM says in a press release, adding that there is the know-how but that it should be harmonised.
As for cargo transport, the conference pointed out the importance of stable rail routes between ports and border crossings, which is very demanding in times of large-scale infrastructure works.