The cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria in the transport sector, in the framework of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy, was the focus of the speech of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, at the 5th Sofia Economic Forum V, organised by the Delphi Economic Forum.

During his remarks, Mr. Staikouras stressed “To create an integrated and efficient European transport network, the TEN-T policy provided a framework for Greece and Bulgaria to work together to achieve their common goals over the past decades. One of the most remarkable aspects of this cooperation is the development of key European corridors linking the two countries, facilitating the seamless connection and movement of goods, services, and people.”

The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport referred in detail to the benefits of the completion of the two European corridors that pass through Greece and Bulgaria: the Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean and Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Aegean Sea (BBA).

The Baltic Sea, the Middle East, the Baltic Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the BBA.
“By working together, we are building a future where our countries are more connected, our networks and economies are more resilient and our societies are more prosperous.

Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where transport links between Greece and Bulgaria act as promoters of innovation, efficiency and sustainability.”

On the sidelines of the Forum, Staikouras had a bilateral meeting with Grozdan Karadzhov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Bulgarian Government and Minister of Transport and Communications of Bulgaria.

Following is the unofficial translation of the speech of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras in Greek:

It is an honour to address you today in Sofia to discuss the cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria in the transport sector, in the framework of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy.

Our two countries, now more than ever, are united by their commitment to enhance connectivity and economic growth through strategic initiatives in the transport sector.

The development of TEN-T is the cornerstone of the EU’s transport policy.

To create an integrated and efficient European transport network, the TEN-T policy has provided a framework for Greece and Bulgaria to work together to achieve their common objectives over the last decades.

One of the most notable aspects of this cooperation is the development of key European corridors linking the two countries, facilitating the seamless connection and movement of goods, services, and people.

Both countries are located along two European corridors: the Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean and Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Aegean (BBA).

The first corridor connects our countries with the Western Balkans, ensuring a smooth flow of trade and travel between the two EU member states and the rest of Europe.

By investing in the modernization and expansion of this corridor, we are not only strengthening our transport infrastructure but also enhancing trade and economic integration within the continent.

The second corridor, the BBA corridor, connects the Black Sea ports in Bulgaria with the Baltic Sea ports and the Aegean Sea.

This provides a vital alternative for international trade and logistics chains reaching continents such as Africa and Asia, fully aligned with the concept and idea of solidarity lanes.

This corridor offers a direct and efficient route for maritime transport, enhancing greater connectivity between our countries and improving access to international markets.

As highlighted in the Letta and Draghi reports, the development of high-speed rail is paramount to the future of European connectivity.

These reports emphasise that the timely development of the TEN-T network, in particular the completion of missing links and the elimination of discontinuities within countries and across borders, is vital to achieving this goal.

In line with these recommendations, we are committed to upgrading our rail network to promote greater connectivity and economic integration with Bulgaria.

A Basic project in this regard is the upgrade of the Alexandroupolis – Ormenio railway line, partly funded by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF II).

In particular, on 16 October 2024, the grant agreement, amounting to €220 million, was signed between EU agencies and the Greek ERGOSE for the upgrade of the railway line on the Pythios – Ormenio section.

The submission of a corresponding application for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility for the Alexandroupoli – Pythio section is scheduled for tomorrow.

All this project, together with the project to connect the freight port of Kavala with the railway, forms the basis for cross-border cooperation, aligning with our efforts to build on the Sea2Sea project and its extension to Romania as part of the BBA corridor.

The integration of our rail networks will significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our transportation systems.

By modernizing and expanding our rail infrastructure, we not only reduce transportation costs, but also minimize externalities such as environmental impacts.

This approach is in full alignment with the EU’s policy for a more environmentally friendly transport sector, contributing to our common goal of a more sustainable Europe.

We recognise that large cross-border construction projects usually require long lead times for intergovernmental agreements, budgetary decisions, permitting and procurement procedures, and technical studies and are implemented in phases.

According to the current Regulation of the DIS-M, there are specific provisions for these projects.

In this direction, specific provisions should be incorporated in the next generation of the Connecting Europe Facility, including a specific budget or a specific call for proposals.

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The Connecting Europe Facility has proven to be instrumental in the development of the TEN-T network and the implementation of the European Corridors according to common EU standards within tight timeframes.

We strongly believe that Connecting Europe should allocate a specific budget for cross-border projects and focus efforts on completing identified bottlenecks and missing links, while Greece and Bulgaria should develop their bilateral cooperation and join forces to secure sufficient funding.

We also recognize the importance of the road network for Bulgaria.

The Dimario – Rudozem link, which is to be completed, is critical, especially after recent developments.

Bulgaria’s full membership in the Schengen area allows for easier movement between Bulgaria and Greece, bypassing traditional border crossings.

This change is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods between the two countries.

By integrating rail, road, and sea transport, we are creating a seamless and sustainable transport network that meets the demands of the 21st century.

This approach not only reduces transport costs, but also minimizes external factors such as environmental impacts and accidents.

By working together, we are building a future where our countries are more connected, our networks and economies are more resilient, and our societies are more prosperous.

Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where transport links between Greece and Bulgaria act as drivers of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.