Skopje, 12 December 2023 (MIA) – Over EUR 560 million have been secured for the realization of significant infrastructure projects in rail infrastructure through the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Western Balkans Investment Framework, said the Finance Ministry in a press release Tuesday.

The legislation for the realization of the funds was adopted Monday in Parliament, and was discussed Tuesday at a meeting between Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi with the representatives of the EBRD and EIB in North Macedonia, Fatih Türkmenoğlu and Björn Gabriel.

According to the Ministry, Besimi stated that the Government and the Ministry are committed to the realization of significant infrastructure projects for the development of the country.

“The Government and the Finance Ministry are greatly committed to the realization of significant infrastructure projects that will ensure the country’s development. To that end, committed work is being done to secure funds for the realization of such infrastructure projects that will contribute to the economic growth not only while they are being realized, but also in the long-term, as a result of their importance because of the connectivity and facilitation of transport,” said Minister Besimi.

He thanked the EIB and EBRD for the secured funds and for the overall assistance with which they’ve provided the country.

For the realization of the third phase of the Corridor VIII railway, the section from Kriva Palanka to the border with Bulgaria, funds of EUR 175 million have been secured from the EBRD, EUR 175 million from the EIB, and EUR 149.2 million through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, as well as a grant from IPA II worth EUR 60.77 million. The project will complete the construction of the eastern section of railway Corridor VIII to the border with the Republic of Bulgaria.

For the construction of a joint rail border crossing with the Republic of Serbia at Tabanovce, EUR 5 million have been secured from the EBRD and EUR 2.5 million from the Western Balkans Investment Framework.

Financial agreements with the EIB, EBRD and the European Commission are expected to be signed in the coming period, enabling the realization of the funds.

Photo: Ministry of Finance