The implementation of the largest project under the Bulgaria-North Macedonia programme starts

The actual implementation of the project for the construction of the border crossing “Strumyani-Berovo” between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia is already underway. The investment is worth more than EUR 11 million and is the largest project under the cross-border cooperation programmes managed by the MRDPW.

“After a quarter of a century, we are starting the implementation of this long-awaited project. I hope that in all phases it will be accompanied by expertise and professionalism, as before, and that we will not let emotions slow it down”, said Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Angelina Boneva at an information meeting in Blagoevgrad. “For me, this is a bridge that will become more and more necessary and important to connect in another way the local communities on both sides of the border. The investment is irreversible and we have fully secured funding for it - both European and national. It is no coincidence that it has been selected as a strategic project under our programme,” she added.

The meeting was also attended by the Governor of Blagoevgrad Maria Dimova and Vulnet Arifi, Head of Department at the Ministry of Local Self-Government of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The beneficiaries of the project are the Regional Administration in Blagoevgrad and the Customs Department of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The investment is divided into two phases. In the first, scheduled to be completed in 2026, preparatory activities related to planning, design and selection of contractors will be carried out. In the second, from 2027 to 2029, the construction works on the infrastructure of the border complex will be implemented.

Several buildings will be constructed on Bulgarian territory and the access road will be completed. On the other side of the border, existing structures and facilities will be upgraded. The installation of renewable energies and the use of energy efficient materials will be a priority. Special attention will also be paid to the protection of the rich environment of the region, as the site falls within a Natura 2000 area.

The investment has been declared a “national object” to ensure its faster implementation. Thus, simplified administrative procedures apply. It is expected that the number of people crossing the border between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia will increase from 657 000 to 722 700 per year once the new border crossing is operational.