Thessaloniki, Greece - Against the backdrop of an autumnal Thessaloniki, where the 89th edition of the International Fair is attracting the attention of the business community, the topic of deepening cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece was at the center of attention. Among the thousands of visitors and participants in the exhibition, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of anticipation, and a number of delegates from both countries discussed future projects and opportunities. In this spirit, the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov delivered a key message to the forum organized by the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the "Green Transition Forum".
Road infrastructure as an engine for the economy
In an official statement released by the press center of the ministry, Minister Ivanov emphasized that the modernization of road connections and infrastructure networks between Bulgaria and Greece is not just a technical process, but an undeniable opportunity to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the standard of living in both countries.
"The creation of effective transport and infrastructure networks is an undeniable opportunity to boost economic progress, to achieve sustainable growth and improve the standard of living in Bulgaria and Greece, as well as in the countries of our region and in the entire European Union," said the minister, emphasizing the wider regional and European importance of the cooperation.
He also announced important news for bilateral relations - the official approval of the "CrossBo 2" project by the program's monitoring committee, which happened on September 1, 2025. This project, which represents another step towards increased cross-border connectivity, was developed in partnership between the Bulgarian Agency "Road Infrastructure" and the Greek company "EGNATIA ODOS" S.A. Among its main goals are:
- improvement and modernization of the Rudozem bypass road
- the Kardzhali - Makaza road
- the preparation of a technical design for the main road communication of the city of Smolyan in Bulgaria
On Greek territory, the project foresees the modernization of the remaining parts of the Xanthi - Echinos - Greek-Bulgarian border road axis.
Minister Ivanov stated that the improvement of road connections in the region is a stimulus for economic development and a factor for improving the living conditions of the local population. He also gave an example of other key Bulgarian transport connectivity projects, such as the upcoming launch of the entire "Europe" Highway and the work on the completion of the "Struma" Highway in the Kresna Gorge, summarizing that although they are on Bulgarian territory, they will contribute to the development of the entire region.
Beyond roads: Funds and programs for regional development
In addition to road infrastructure, the regional minister also focused on other aspects of cross-border cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria. He pointed out that by the end of the year, a targeted call for supporting micro and small enterprises from the cross-border area is expected to be announced. This initiative will be implemented through a Small Projects Fund, which will provide direct support to local businesses worth 5.8 million euros.
Ivanov also announced the upcoming approval of the "FLOOD PROTECTION 2" project, which is expected to happen by the middle of the month. The project aims to reduce the risk of natural disasters related to floods, thus contributing to the increased security of the local population.
Bilateral cooperation on the threshold of the Eurozone
During his stay in Thessaloniki, Minister Ivanov also participated in the official opening of the Bulgarian pavilion within the International Fair. There he pointed out that the partnership between Bulgaria and Greece is gaining even greater importance given Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the Eurozone. At the opening, Ivanov also welcomed the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who visited the Bulgarian stand. The meeting was perceived as a clear sign of the high priority that the governments of both countries place on their mutual cooperation.