Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia are preparing to finalise an agreement for the construction of a cross-border railway tunnel.
This follows discussions between the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of North Macedonia during the Global Forum for Transport Connectivity 2025 held in Istanbul.
Focus on Corridor VIII
Both countries continue to prioritise the construction and modernisation of European transport corridors, including Corridor VIII, which connects the Adriatic and Black Seas. Corridor VIII is planned for both rail and road transport and is being developed as part of the wider European transport network.
The Bulgarian authorities confirmed that the tender process for the construction of the remaining 2.4 kilometres of railway between Gyueshevo and Deve Bair, located on the border with North Macedonia, is scheduled to open by the end of July 2025. The financial resources for this section have been allocated from the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021–2027, with funding of €69 million.
Bulgaria is also preparing for substantial investment in the Sofia–North Macedonia railway corridor. According to Bulgarian officials, the total amount planned for this section exceeds €1.5 billion. The works are connected to the country’s commitments under international agreements and regional cooperation protocols.
Next steps
Bulgaria and North Macedonia intend to hold another meeting to finalise the text of the agreement concerning the construction of the cross-border railway tunnel. Both sides have also confirmed their participation at the Corridor VIII coordination meeting organised by the European Commission, scheduled for July. Expert teams from both countries will attend to support further technical and organisational steps in the project.