site.btaTalks with European Commission Ahead to Save Recovery Plan Funds, Deputy PM Grozdan Karadjov Says

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov held a meeting with German Ambassador to Bulgaria Irene Plank on Thursday, the Transport Ministry said in a press release. Karadjov said that he will soon meet with European Commission representatives to explore flexible solutions that would prevent the loss of EU funds. He warned that projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan are not progressing at the required pace, with critical delays, including the procurement of 35 electric train sets.

Both Karadjov and Plank reaffirmed that the construction of Pan-European Corridor VIII remains a priority. "Two years ago, as Minister of Regional Development, I proposed connectivity projects with Romania and North Macedonia. One of them is the Dupnitsa–Gyueshevo speedway, for which I initiated geological surveys. This project is closely linked to other infrastructure initiatives," Karadjov said. He also recalled that on January 15, 2025, Bulgaria presented North Macedonia with a draft intergovernmental agreement for the construction and operation of a future tunnel along Corridor VIII.

Karadjov further emphasized that the Transport Ministry will rely on German expertise in the field of transport safety. "This is my top priority. While railway safety falls under a single authority, road transport safety is overseen by five different administrations. As Deputy Prime Minister in charge of road safety, I will bring all institutions together to develop a joint action roadmap," he underscored.

Ambassador Plank voiced support for the Ministry of Transport's efforts to modernize Bulgaria's transport infrastructure and enhance safety initiatives. She also highlighted the opportunities available to Bulgaria under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.