Bulgaria remains fully committed to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania on enhanced cross-border cooperation. This was stated by Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev at the Third Meeting of the Black Sea – Aegean Sea Corridor Platform, held in Thessaloniki.
He noted that the preparation of a joint project proposal for the allocation of unused resources under the Connecting Europe Facility is a good example of collaborative effort. “Bulgaria plans to revise the initial list of projects and to remove those that cannot be implemented within the next financial framework for 2028-2034,” said Minister Peev. He also emphasized the importance of private sector participation, as joint investments in transport infrastructure stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities for cooperation.
Minister Peev highlighted the benefits of the Memorandum, which improves connectivity between the three countries and facilitates movement along the North-South axis.
Georgi Peev informed that Bulgaria and Romania are implementing and planning a number of joint projects with EU funding, including Fast Danube and a second bridge over the Danube River at Ruse – Giurgiu.
During his visit to Thessaloniki, Minister Peev held a meeting with European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The two discussed the progress of projects under the Black Sea – Aegean Sea Corridor Platform and Bulgaria’s infrastructure priorities. The importance of ferry links between the two countries was underscored, including the resumption of the Ruse – Giurgiu ferry service. The European Commissioner accepted Minister Peev’s invitation to visit Bulgaria in the autumn, when concrete steps for the implementation of regional projects will be discussed.
Minister Peev presented Bulgaria’s readiness to apply under CEF 2 Reflow for technical assistance and construction on key railway sections, as well as the importance of restoring direct passenger train services between Sofia and Thessaloniki.
“Strong regional cooperation is the path to success for the corridor, but it requires continued financial and political support from the EU,” Minister Peev stressed. In conclusion, he assured that Bulgaria remains committed to achieving tangible results in the areas of connectivity, sustainability and regional development.
