EAEU Transport Ministers Agree on Digital Permits and Railway Data Sharing

Transport ministers from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) gathered in St. Petersburg this week for a key meeting on regional cooperation. The session, chaired by Kazakhstan's Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, took place during the International Transport and Logistics Forum. Officials focused on digitisation, border controls, and long-term integration plans for the bloc's transport networks. The Council of Heads of Transport Authorities reviewed several major initiatives during the meeting. One key outcome was the finalisation of data requirements for special permits covering oversized vehicles, hazardous materials, and heavy freight on EAEU routes. These rules aim to streamline approvals for complex transport operations across member states.

Participants also approved a report on improving information exchange about railway capacity among EAEU countries. The discussion extended to technological readiness, with officials assessing national systems for testing and industrial integration. Progress on the Comprehensive Plan for Eurasian Transport Corridors was another focus, as ministers endorsed performance indicators and formalised corridor passports.

Arzybek Kozhoshev, the EEC's Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, presented updates on the bloc's transport policy implementation. He also briefed the council on the Subcommittee for Transport and Transit Cooperation, created under the EAEU-Iran free trade deal. While no direct impacts on member states' infrastructure projects from this cooperation have been recorded, the subcommittee continues its work.

Long-term priorities were integrated into the Roadmap for Transport Policy (2027–2029), with plans to develop a pool of joint infrastructure projects. These could later involve collaboration with third countries, expanding the EAEU's transport partnerships. The meeting concluded with agreed steps on digitisation, border inspections, and corridor development. Approved documents now set clearer rules for special transport permits and railway data sharing. The next phase will focus on implementing the updated roadmap and preparing for potential joint projects with external partners.