“Work on Corridor VIII is moving from documents and declared intentions to real action,” said Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Hristina Velinova at the opening of Panel 2, “Transport, Energy and Economic Connectivity”, at the International Conference on Corridor VIII in Sofia. She pointed out that, in the current geopolitical situation, the Sofia – Skopje – Durrës – Bari route is important not only for trade and regional development, but also for security and military mobility within the framework of EU-NATO cooperation.
She noted that the specific technical and operational issues relating to the construction and subsequent operation of the cross-border railway tunnel are already being coordinated within the Joint Committee with North Macedonia.
On Bulgarian territory, a contract has already been concluded and funding secured for the 2.4 km railway section between Gyueshevo and the tunnel entrance. Work is also under way along the entire Sofia–Pernik–Radomir–Gyueshevo route.
According to her, the inclusion of the route in the “Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean” European corridor makes it possible to finance the railway link from European funds and programmes.
