Iraq Cuts EU-ME Transit Times via TIR

A cross-border transport operation has highlighted Iraq's growing role as a key land bridge between the European Union and the Middle East, significantly reducing journey times using the TIR system.

A TIR shipment carrying film and photography equipment travelled from Hungary to Jordan via Iraq in around six days, compared with approximately five weeks using traditional multimodal routes -- a reduction of about 80%.

The operation was handled by a Romanian TIR operator affiliated with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) through its member, the National Union of Road Hauliers from Romania. IRU said the shipment underlines how TIR can deliver faster, secure transit.

Iraq's geographic position places it at the centre of trade corridors linking Europe with the Gulf and the Levant, strengthening its importance as regional economies pursue deeper integration and more resilient supply chains. Expanded adoption of TIR and its digital systems is expected to further enhance Iraq's role in intercontinental trade.