New transport corridor set to connect Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania
A groundbreaking new transport corridor is being established to connect Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, creating a vital link between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea. This ambitious project promises to transform Thessaloniki into the southern gateway of Europe.
The initiative includes the construction and modernization of infrastructure along the route from Thessaloniki to Sofia and Bucharest. This corridor will not only facilitate the movement of goods and passengers but will also enhance safety and attract investments in rail transport, logistics, and tourism.
With a projected implementation horizon of 15 years, the corridor will extend from Bucharest westward toward Central and Western Europe, while also connecting to Moldova and Ukraine in the east. Bulgaria will play a crucial role in this project, serving as a link between Greek ports and Romania, thereby integrating them into the broader European transport network.
The project has already secured 277 million euros for the modernization of the 68.3-kilometer railway section between Alexandroupolis and Pythio, funded through the Connecting Europe Facility. Additional funding sources for the remaining sections are expected to be announced in the coming months, with both European and national funds being utilized.
The announcement was made during the 90th edition of the International Fair in Thessaloniki, where Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, highlighted the importance of this corridor. It is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and falls within the Baltic-Black Sea-Aegean direction.
As part of its infrastructure, the corridor will also be prepared for rapid response in emergency situations, making it not only a transport artery but also a critical asset for safety. This new axis is set to accelerate the transport of goods and passengers, positioning Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania at the forefront of the new European transport map.