The importance of the Struma Motorway for transport connectivity with our neighboring EU and NATO member states – Greece and Romania – as well as for ensuring national security, remains a priority. In this context, with the aim of reflecting the current status of the project and overcoming delays accumulated over time due to prolonged institutional disputes and disagreements with non-governmental organizations regarding the technical parameters of the route, the government has adopted an update to Decision No. 62 of February 12, 2025. The changes concern the implementation timelines under Section I of the adopted roadmap for the completion of the motorway.
This act aims not only to make up for lost time but also to ensure a continuous and constructive dialogue with non-governmental structures. The main focus is on complying with all environmental aspects during the preparation and actual construction of Lot 3.2 of the motorway section. To ensure the proper reflection of environmental considerations and continuous cooperation with conservation organizations, the responsibility for issuing the order regarding the composition of the working group, as well as its subsequent amendments if needed, has been explicitly assigned to the Minister of Environment and Water.
During an inspection conducted in August of the Kresna bypass and the adjacent terrain along the route, the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, indicated 2031 as a realistic deadline for the finalization of the roadway in the direction from Sofia to Kulata. The following individuals also participated in this on-site inspection:
- Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovski;
- Regional Governor Vasil Trendafilov;
- Members of Parliament Dr. Aleksandar Popov, Georgi Kunchev, and Rashko Dinkov.