Tripartite cooperation for the development of a key transport axis between Bulgaria, Greece and Romania

The meeting in Brussels brought together the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications of Bulgaria Grozdан Karadjov, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Greece Christos Dimas, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Romania Ionuț Săvoiu. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future connection of the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Danube River through joint road and rail projects.

According to Commissioner Tzitzikostas, this transport axis has a huge potential for economic growth in each of the three countries, as well as for better mobility and accelerated regional development. He presented a draft memorandum of cooperation, which needs to be signed before the end of the year, to outline a roadmap and a clear plan for the implementation of specific projects. The financing of these projects is expected to be carried out with European funds through various EU mechanisms, while the countries should also seek other complementary financial sources.

Minister Karadjov emphasized that the projects on Bulgarian territory include three directions - the sections Kulata-Vidin, Svilengrad-Ruse, and the future "Black Sea" motorway. Bulgaria will propose in the agreement to include new locations for bridges over the Danube. He explained that the construction of these transport links will contribute to the economic development of the regions, for the fast transportation of passengers and cargo, and is of particular importance for military mobility.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas commended Bulgaria for the steps taken towards public-private partnership, through which additional investments will be attracted to important infrastructure projects.