Improved Transportation and Cooperation Between Hungary and Serbia

Published: November 15 2023

Hungary and Serbia have signed an agreement for improved transportation and cooperation between the two countries. This includes the introduction of regular train services between Subotica and Szeged, extended opening hours for border crossings, and the implementation of a common electronic toll system.

Hungarian and Serbian ministers signed an agreement in Belgrade to strengthen cooperation on the electronic toll system. The goal of this strategic cooperation is to make Hungary Serbia's western corridor and improve the transportation links between the two countries.

The railway service between Szeged and Szabad is set to begin operating in the first days of December. Initially, the journey time will be 80 minutes, but it will later be reduced to 60 minutes. Trains will run every three hours, improving connectivity between Subotica and Szeged.

The government is planning to amend a decree regarding the development of the railway line between Budapest and Belgrade. This railway construction is considered a priority investment for the national economy. However, there may be opposition as a large number of properties will be affected by the project.

The expropriation procedure for the railway project includes more than a thousand properties, with almost half located in Budapest. Property owners affected by the procedure may not anticipate favorable outcomes, as some examples show minimal compensation for land expropriation.

Overall, the improved transportation and cooperation agreement between Hungary and Serbia aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and travel between the two countries.

What transportation improvements are happening between Hungary and Serbia? Regular train services will be introduced between Subotica and Szeged, and the border crossings will remain open longer. Additionally, a common electronic toll system will be introduced.

What is the purpose of the cooperation between Hungary and Serbia? Hungary sees Serbia as a strategic ally and aims to make Hungary Serbia's western corridor. The cooperation includes the development of railway lines and the implementation of an electronic toll system.

When will the railway service between Szeged and Szabad start? The railway service is scheduled to start in the first days of December, at the latest.

How long will the journey be between Szeged and Szabad initially? Initially, the journey is expected to take 80 minutes.

Will there be a decrease in travel time between Szeged and Szabad in the future? Yes, the travel time is planned to be reduced to 60 minutes as the service develops.

How frequently will the train services run between Szeged and Szabad? The services will run every three hours.

What is the status of the railway line between Budapest and Belgrade? The government is preparing to amend a decree regarding the development of the railway line between Budapest and Belgrade, considering it a priority investment for the national economy.

Are there any potential challenges for the railway construction between Budapest and Belgrade? There might be opposition to the railway construction, and an extension to the annex listing the real estate affected by the project is expected. The annex includes properties in Budapest and other locations in Hungary.

Are property owners affected by the railway construction compensated? According to the newspaper Népszava, property owners concerned by the expropriation procedure may not anticipate favorable outcomes. An example mentioned is the municipality of Kelebia receiving HUF 1.316 million for 3,000 square meters of forest, which amounts to HUF 440 (EUR 1.17) per square meter.