Cerar said transport has been of vital importance for humanity's development from the very beginning. "It has transformed into a field, where modernisation is seen in the best light," Cerar said and pointed to fast trains and electric and autonomous vehicles.

Slovenia, which is a transit country, understands connectivity well and has shifted its focus in transport from roads to railways and sustainable mobility in recent years. According to the prime minister, Slovenia will invest EUR 17bn in modern mobility and infrastructure.

EU Transport Commissioner Bulc highlighted Vision Zero, a vision based on zero victims in traffic, zero emissions and zero paper waste that the EU wants to achieve by 2050.

She pointed to decarbonisation as the main pillar of the vision, while raising people's awareness and making them change their habits will be the greatest challenge, according to her.

The TEN-T Days, hosted by the European Commission biennially, feature 2,300 participants, including Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu.

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Günther Oettinger will unveil the framework concept for financing investment in infrastructure, which is to be presented officially on 2 May.