Rossen Jeliazkov: Bulgaria is interested in the construction of third bridge over the Danube and we will insist on its implementation

Bulgaria is interested t in building a third bridge over the Danube and will insist on its implementation. This was announced by the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Rossen Jeliazkov, within the framework of parliamentary hearings.

Minister Jeliazkov reminded that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Government of Romania was signed at the end of March to implement joint initiatives to improve the shipping conditions in the joint Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube and the transport connectivity between the two countries. The document stipulates the preparation of feasibility studies for the location of the future third bridge, with 5 potential options. These are Oryahovo-Beckett; Nikopol-Turnu Magurele; Svishtov-Zimnich; Rousse-Giurgiu and Silistra-Calarasi.

He specified that all five locations are a government priority and acceptable to the Romanian side. Minister Jeliazkov added that only Rousse-Giurgiu has the opportunity to use funds from European sources, and for others the appropriate funding models should be sought.

The Minister expressed certainty that at the moment there was no prioritization of one or another place, of the possible construction. "Everything that the feasibility study shows is appropriate as a location and accepted by the Romanian side, we will welcome it," added Rossen Jeliazkov. He specified that Bulgaria has a much greater interest in a bridge facility, no matter where it is located, while Romania is interested in better river navigation. That is why the Memorandum deals with things in a package to find the appropriate solution.