A joint working group has finalized the steps for the construction of the cross-border railway tunnel between Bulgaria and North Macedonia

A joint working group of experts from Bulgaria and North Macedonia reached full agreement on the operational and technical activities for the construction of the cross-border railway tunnel along Trans-European Transport Corridor 8. The negotiations focused on coordinating joint design, procurement procedures, and the future management of the facility, BalkanEngineer.com learned from the Macedonian Information Agency (MIA).

The two countries agreed to harmonize the technical parameters and standards that the cross-border tunnel at the Deva Bair–Gyueshevo border crossing must meet. During the meeting, strategic details were finalized regarding the coordinated management of the construction process, which is financed by European funds and international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The Corridor 8 rail link project is of vital importance for connectivity in the Western Balkans region, providing a direct transport and trade corridor between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea through the territories of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania. The specified steps will allow for a more rapid launch of the procedures for selecting contractors and the synchronization of construction work on both sides of the border.

Photo source: MIA, ©Engineer BG via Canva.com