The long-awaited border checkpoint Rudozem–Xanthi, also known as Aegean Pass, will be officially put into operation at the beginning of 2025. The joint decision between Bulgaria and Greece provides for a phased opening of the communication corridor.
Initially, the route will be accessible to pedestrians, with the dismantling of border facilities already completed. Vehicle traffic is expected to start after the necessary infrastructure repairs on the Greek side are finished.
The strategic importance of the pass is expressed in creating a direct connection between the Rhodope Mountains and the White Sea resorts. The tourist route will connect the Smolyan region with the Greek city of Xanthi, providing an alternative and environmentally friendly transport corridor.
Experts predict that the new communication will stimulate the development of alternative forms of tourism. The route will attract travelers interested in mountain and sea destinations, while offering a shorter and more convenient connection between the two countries.
Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area will further facilitate cross-border movement and support economic interaction between the two neighboring countries.