Skopje, 6 February 2025 (MIA) – The government at a recent session passed an agreement detailing the commitment of the parties involving rail connection with Bulgaria, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski noting that Bulgaria should demonstrate clear commitment that Corridor 8 is a priority.

According to the agreement, he said, the Macedonian side commits to constructing a section to Kriva Palanka leading to the tunnel’s entrance. “The tunnel should have an entrance and an exit, which will be a joint project,” said Mickoski.

It will be followed, he said, by the construction of a section from Gjueshevo to the national railway in Bulgaria, which is two-three kilometers, before Bulgaria asks for a loan from the EU to modernize the section until Sofia. 

“The railway line from Kumanovo to Kriva Palanka with the second section of the rail with Bulgaria, we will complete this section, thus connecting these two towns.”

“A clear commitment from Bulgaria is needed that their priority is Corridor 8, according to what they signed in Washington,” Mickoski told Thursday’s press briefing at the MPs’ Club in Skopje.

The prime minister said that talks should be held with the Albanian government on Albania’s plans to construct a section from Durres to the border with Macedonia, which is part of Corridor 8. “Corridor 8 aims at connecting the Black Sea with the Adriatic Sea,” Mickoski stressed.

Our country, he said, set up a working group comprised of the transport minister, the foreign minister, the finance minister and the Macedonian Railways – Infrastructure head. Bulgaria is expected to form a similar high-level working group before works launch. 

MIA file photo