Restoration of the Bulgaria-Ukraine Railway Link: New Opportunities for Freight Transportation

A meeting between the caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Bulgaria, Olesya Ilashchuk, discussed the restoration of the railway connection between Bulgaria and Ukraine, as well as the possibilities for expanding logistics routes in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. This was announced by the press center of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Minister Ismailov stated that Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) are ready to carry out freight transport between Bulgaria and Ukraine, including transit through Romania. The specific steps will be discussed at a subsequent meeting of deputy ministers from the three countries.

During the conversation, it was emphasized that the transformation of logistics and transport corridors makes cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine even more important. The development of new routes will strengthen the links between the two regions and will strengthen the sustainability of transport in Europe.

The Minister stated that the future of the region is in its full integration into the European Union, and this also applies to Ukraine, which is on its way to joining the union.

The projects for transport connectivity between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea, included in the memorandum between Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, were also discussed, which will strengthen not only regional security but also the sustainability of transport in Europe.

Ambassador Ilashchuk stated that Ukraine supports the initiative and sees significant potential in it for the country. She also noted that Bulgaria's experience in negotiations with the European Union is valuable to Ukraine.

Minister Ismailov stated that Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine for more efficient transport links and the development of logistics routes.

During the meeting, the issue of signals from Bulgarian carriers regarding the registration of Bulgarian buses in the E-CHERGA electronic system was raised. The increased number of violations on Bulgarian roads by Ukrainian vehicles, as well as the difficulties of Ukrainian carriers with technical inspections in Bulgaria, were also discussed.

BTA recalls that at the beginning of the year, the first working meeting for the "Black Sea - Aegean Sea" corridor was held. The main idea is for the three countries to work in full sync in planning, design, permitting, and the implementation of infrastructure projects.