On 29 January 2025, the EaP RSO Steering Committee met formally for its first Annual Meeting.

The Steering Committee is the main governing entity of the Eastern Partnership Observatory. Its role is to ensure coordination and complementarity of the different project activities and that all countries involved have an equal voice when it comes to decision making and strategic planning. To this end, the Steering Committee comprises the main stakeholders of each member countries and local country consultants as well as implementing partners and representatives of the European Commission.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from the Head of the Secretariat, Tamar Sulukhia, and Daniela Nicorici representing the European Commission.

During this first meeting congratulations were offered to the Technical Secretariat and partner countries on signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formally established the Eastern Partnership Regional Road Safety Observatory (EaP RSO). 

Emphasis was placed on the significance of this initiative and the potential impact of improving data collection, conducting analysis and shaping policies that improve road safety, drawing a connection to the commitments made under the 2018 Eastern Partnership Declaration on Road Safety, which set an ambitious target to reduce fatal and serious road traffic injuries by 50% by 2030.

The meeting covered a full report on activities conducted in year 1, a review of the Observatory’s overall strategic objectives, and plans for the coming year. It was acknowledged throughout the meeting that while each country faces unique challenges, important steps have been taken in various areas. Collaboration and continuous knowledge-sharing were highlighted as key elements in achieving regional goals and overcoming common challenges. The opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals was appreciated, with high expectations for productive discussions and meaningful developments in the sessions ahead.

More information on the work of the Observatory over the first year of operation and our plans for the coming year, you can now download our 2024 Annual Report.