Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov and North Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski signed an agreement on the preparation, construction, and operation of a cross-border railway tunnel between the two countries here on Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the European Commission, the diplomatic missions of EU and NATO member states in Bulgaria, as well as representatives of the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the World Bank.
Nikoloski said it is a pleasure to meet in Gyueshevo and sign an agreement that used to be taught even back when he was still a child. He was pleased to see one more step towards having the cities of Sofia and Skopje connected via a railway, as this corridor has a significant strategic, economic, and geopolitical importance for the Balkans and for Europe as a whole.
Nikoloski noted that the 31-km section between Kumanovo and Beljakovce in the Republic of North Macedonia has already been completed. Work is currently underway on the second phase, a 34-km section connecting Beljakovce with Kriva Palanka. The Minister expressed hope that with joint efforts and the support of the financing institutions, the third and final phase connecting Kriva Palanka with the border can begin in the spring of 2026.
Nikoloski also said that the corridor would play a huge role in relation to the aggression against Ukraine. He stated it would help NATO to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Karadjov said that relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia have always been very emotional, and not always in a positive way, which is why this day is an important one for the two countries. He added: "By signing this agreement, we are reviving a 138-year-old idea from the planning of the first Balkan railway and the launch of the connection between Sofia and Skopje."
The cross-border tunnel is a key element of the Western Balkans-Eastern Mediterranean transport corridor and the strategic Corridor VIII. Its implementation will provide the missing rail link between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia and will improve transport access between the Black Sea and the Adriatic. The planned length of the tunnel is about 2.4 km, half of which is located in Bulgaria. Its construction is expected to support the economic development of the region and strengthen the integration of transport networks at EU and NATO level.