Ivan Ivanov: Modernising infrastructure in our cross-border region will boost the economy

The Regional Minister announced the approval of an important joint project between Bulgaria and Greece

"The creation of efficient transport and infrastructure networks is an undeniable opportunity to boost economic progress, achieve sustainable growth and improve living standards both in Bulgaria and Greece, as well as in the countries of our region and throughout the European Union". This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov during the forum held in Thessaloniki, organized by the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Green Transition Forum. In this regard, he announced the good news for both countries, namely the approval of the CrossBo 2 project by the Monitoring Committee of the programme on 01.09.2025, which is another step in the process of improving cross-border connectivity. The project is in partnership between the Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency and the Greek company EGNATIA ODOS S.A. and envisages the improvement and modernisation of the Rudozem ring road, the Kardzhali-Makaza road and the preparation of a technical project for the main road communication of the town of Smolyan in Bulgaria, as well as the modernisation of the remaining parts of the Xanthi-Echinos road axis, the Greek-Bulgarian border in Greece. "The modernization of road connections in our cross-border region is a stimulus for the development of the economy between our countries and a factor for improving the living conditions of the people in it," Ivanov stressed. He told about the projects on which our country is working for transport connectivity, such as the upcoming launch of the whole Europe Motorway, the work on the completion of Struma Motorway in the part of the Kresna Gorge, etc. ‘While they are on the territory of our country, they will contribute to the better development of the whole region’, Ivanov summed up.

The Regional Minister also emphasized the programme for cross-border cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria, which provides opportunities for development not only in the field of road infrastructure. As an example, he pointed out that by the end of the year a targeted call for support for micro and small enterprises from the cross-border area will be launched through a Small Projects Fund to directly support local businesses worth EUR 5.8 million. "By mid-month, we expect the approval of the FLOOD PROTECTION 2 project, which aims to reduce the risk of natural disasters related to floods and will contribute to increasing the security of the local population," Ivanov said.

During the forum, Minister Ivanov and his Greek counterpart in charge of infrastructure and railway transport, Konstantinos Kiranaki, also discussed the possibility of running a traffic safety campaign among travellers from the Bulgarian and Greek sides.