Cooperation between Bulgaria, Greece and Romania on the Vertical Corridor in Focus at an International Forum in Sofia

The strategic importance of the Vertical Transport Corridor for the economic development, transport connectivity and investment in Southeast Europe took centre stage at an international forum held in Sofia on 6 November 2026. The event was entitled “The Vertical Corridor: Prospects for Transport Development in the Balkan Peninsula and the Role of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania”.

Co-organised by the Bulgarian–Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association and the Bulgarian–Romanian Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, the forum brought together representatives of government institutions, the diplomatic corps, businesses and the transport and logistics sector from all three countries.

Participants were welcomed by Savvas Karafyllidis, President of the Bulgarian–Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Tsvetan Simeonov, President of BCCI; Todor Ivandzhikov, President of the Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association; and Doru Dragomir, President of the Bulgarian–Romanian Bilateral Chamber of Commerce.

BCCI’s President highlighted the growing importance of transport connectivity amid an increasingly complex international environment, geopolitical uncertainty and rising fuel, insurance and logistics costs. He noted that the Balkans’ strategic geographical position makes the region a key transport crossroads, whose development requires closer cooperation between countries.

Simeonov also highlighted the importance of regional initiatives, including the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the Three Seas Initiative, alongside the European efforts to develop transport corridors.

The official session was attended by Mihaela Karadimova, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry of Bulgaria; Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Development of Greece; and representatives of Romanian institutions. Christos Dimas, Greece’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport; Georgi Peev, Bulgaria’s Minister of Transport and Communications; and Orsolya Kover, State Secretary at Romania’s Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, joined via video link.

Mihaela Karadimova underlined that the Vertical Corridor extends beyond the scope of a regional infrastructure project and is becoming a strategic instrument for strengthening Southeast Europe’s economic security and competitiveness. She highlighted opportunities to establish an integrated logistics system linking Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, advance industrial modernisation and attract investment to border regions.

The Greek Minister Christos Dimas highlighted the strategic importance of connecting the ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala and Alexandroupolis with Varna, Ruse and Constanța through modern road and rail infrastructure. He argued that the Vertical Corridor should be viewed as a single, integrated European project that will improve the reliability of transport routes, strengthen supply chain resilience and facilitate international trade.

The Bulgarian Minister of Transport and Communications, Georgi Peev, emphasized the need for a shared vision and coordinated action among Bulgaria, Greece and Romania to strengthen north–south transport connectivity. He highlighted the importance of the action plan signed by the three countries, which sets out specific infrastructure projects and opportunities for European funding.

H.E. Despina Koukoulopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to Bulgaria, and H.E. Brândușa Predescu, Ambassador of Romania to Bulgaria, also contributed actively to the discussions.

The programme featured three thematic panels addressing bridges over the Danube and the role of ports; the development of an integrated rail network; and European financing instruments for transport infrastructure and public–private partnerships. The discussions brought together transport and logistics representatives, financial institutions and experts from Bulgaria, Greece and Romania.

The forum confirmed the shared interest of the three countries in developing modern and sustainable transport infrastructure to improve regional connectivity, attract new investment and boost business competitiveness.