site.btaCabinet Approves Draft Agreement between Bulgaria, North Macedonia for Construction of Cross-Border Railway Tunnel within Corridor VIII

The caretaker cabinet has approved a draft Agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia for the construction and operation of the Deve Bair cross-border railway tunnel, the Government Information Service reported Monday. The agreement aims to establish clear commitments and timelines for building the railway link between the two countries.

Bulgaria’s Transport and Communications Ministry, as a party to the agreement, proposes that both sides take concrete steps toward the realization of the railway tunnel, which will serve as a critical link between the neighbouring states. The construction of the strategic Transport Corridor VIII is seen as a key prerequisite for facilitating trade and industrial exchange not only bilaterally between Bulgaria and North Macedonia but also for other countries in the region, the government’s press release said.

The agreement includes provisions for establishing a Joint Committee to coordinate all activities related to the construction and operation of the Deve Bair tunnel. The Transport Ministry will soon initiate discussions with North Macedonia on the agreement's details.