Historic Launch in London
The Czech Republic and the United Kingdom officially inaugurated a new transport dialogue in London on November 22, 2025. This significant step marks a fresh chapter in cooperation between the two nations' transport authorities, aiming to strengthen mutual coordination and the exchange of expertise on future mobility and infrastructure.
The framework document establishing the dialogue was formally endorsed by Zdeněk Čechura, Director of the Department of Foreign Relations and the EU at the Czech Ministry of Transport, and his British counterpart, Simon Argyle, Director of Foreign Relations at the UK Department for Transport.
Five Pillars of Cooperation
The newly established UK-Czech Transport Dialogue will focus on five primary areas of collaboration, designed to shape the future of transport in both countries. These pillars include:
- Smart mobility and autonomous vehicles
- The transition to clean mobility and decarbonisation of transport
- The development of rail infrastructure, including high-speed lines
- The exchange of best practices in financing transport infrastructure
- Cooperation in research and innovation
This comprehensive approach is expected to foster significant advancements and shared learning in critical areas of modern transportation.
Mutual Benefits and Future Prospects
The dialogue is anticipated to unlock new opportunities for both countries. For the UK, it opens doors for its rail, electric vehicle (EV)-bus, and autonomous technology suppliers in Central Europe. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will gain access to valuable UK expertise, particularly as it prepares for substantial investments, including an estimated €20 billion in rail tenders.
Beyond technological and infrastructure development, the initiative also commits both sides to improving border processes for drivers and freight, a crucial aspect as the EU's Entry/Exit System is set to go fully live in 2026. Dedicated working groups are scheduled to commence in early 2026, with an industry forum planned for October 2026 during the Brno Engineering Fair, providing a platform for corporate travel and logistics managers to influence border-mobility issues.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
This transport dialogue builds upon existing strong bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, which both governments publicly characterise as 'excellent'. It reflects a shared ambition to deepen cooperation, particularly in sectors where the Czech Republic offers distinct value to the UK, and aligns with a mutual dedication to robust engagement with European partners.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
Finally, real progress on clean transport and rail development!
Comandante
The focus on clean mobility and rail is commendable, yet the article doesn't detail how these ambitious projects will be funded or what the direct impact will be on average citizens' commutes. It's important to consider accessibility and affordability.
Africa
The potential for UK suppliers in Central Europe is exciting, but we must ensure that these opportunities are genuinely accessible to a wide range of businesses, not just large corporations. Small and medium enterprises also need to benefit.
Stan Marsh
While strengthening bilateral ties is positive, the actual implementation of these grand plans often faces significant delays and budget overruns. I hope this dialogue leads to tangible, timely results.
Kyle Broflovski
Sounds like the Czechs are getting all the benefits. What's in it for us?