North Macedonia and Bulgaria Coordinate Activities for Cross-Border Railway Tunnel on Corridor 8

The joint working group of North Macedonia and Bulgaria held its first meeting in Sofia today, focusing on the preparation and implementation of the project to build the joint cross-border railway tunnel on Corridor 8.

Under the agreement, the group is led by the deputy transport ministers of both countries. North Macedonia was represented as co-chair by Deputy Minister of Transport Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri, while Bulgarian Deputy Minister Cveta Timeva served in the same role for her country.

In addition to Deputy Minister Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri, the group included representatives from the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. Representatives of the Public Enterprise for Railway Infrastructure and Railways Transport JSC – Skopje were also present.

In her capacity as co-chair, Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri described the cross-border railway tunnel as a strategic project of regional significance. According to her, the investment will establish a rail link between the two countries, make passenger and freight transport faster and more efficient, and create opportunities to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions focused on the main activities involved in preparing and building the cross-border tunnel. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation and coordination throughout all stages of the project’s implementation.

At the meeting, the two sides aligned their positions on establishing a clear work schedule, assigning specific responsibilities among the relevant institutions of both countries, and continuing joint technical preparations for the construction of the cross-border railway tunnel.

The working group also defined the next steps for securing financial support and ensuring technical coordination. At the same time, its members confirmed their shared determination to accelerate the implementation of this strategic infrastructure project.

Representatives of both sides described Corridor 8 as one of Europe’s most important transport corridors, while also highlighting the strong support provided by the European Commission for its completion.

Based on the adopted conclusions, it was decided that the joint working group’s next meeting would be held in Skopje. The meeting will review progress on the agreed activities and determine further steps for implementing the project.

Through the Ministry of Transport, the Government remains fully committed to implementing strategic infrastructure projects and modernising railway infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening regional links and integrating into the European transport network.