Skopje, 6 July 2026 (MIA) - Deputy Head of the European Union's Delegation in Skopje, Ben Nupnau, who attended Thursday's agreement-signing event on financing the construction of Corridor VIII railway section Kriva Palanka - Deve Bair, said the importance of Corridor VIII railway line is multiple. Connecting the Adriatic and the Black Sea through Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, he added, Corridor VIII is also part of Europe and NATO's security infrastructure, and the railway link will enhance the resilience of North Macedonia, the region and the continent, allowing greater mobility, including for military and security purposes, but it will also facilitate trade, open business opportunities and increase the competitiveness along this corridor. 

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska, the EBRD's Head of North Macedonia, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, the Head of the EIB Representation in North Macedonia, Björn Gabriel, as well as Macedonian Railways Infrastructure director Sinisha Ivanovski also attended the signing event at the Government on Thursday.

Nupnau pointed out that Thursday's signing event marks a step forward to the implementation of a truly strategic joint project uniting and linking the countries that participate in it. 

"It will encourage the shift from road to rail, thus contributing to the EU's green agenda. We therefore attach great importance to completing this project in due course. The signing of these amendments is an important step towards starting actual works, which have been pending after the cancellation of the initial works tender and the subsequent passing of funding deadlines and the commitments of IPA funds. Now all necessary adjustments are agreed to the implementation structure and to the financing plan," said Nupnau. 

He noted that today's event also comes shortly after the first meeting of the joint committee with Bulgaria on the preparation, construction and operation of the crossborder tunnel. 

"I would like to commend this tangible demonstration of the two governments' commitment in advancing the project implementation. In conclusion, our strong presence today confirms the shared and strong commitment to making Corridor VIII a reality. We look forward to seeing more and concrete progress on the ground very soon," Nupnau stressed.  

The Head of the EIB Representation in North Macedonia, Björn Gabriel, said the amendments became necessary following the de-commitment of the IPA grant after the cancellation of the initial works tender. 

"This required adjustments to both the project implementation structure and the financing plan of the project. While today's signature represents an administrative step, it is nevertheless a significant milestone because it clears the way for the publication of the works tender in the coming weeks, and it again demonstrates the Government's commitment to advancing Rail Corridor VIII and its strategic sections," he pointed out. 

Looking eastwards, towards Bulgaria, Gabriel added that last week's bilateral working group meeting, and the joint agreement on an indicative timeline have generated a positive momentum that the EIB and Team Europe partners stand ready to support.  

In addition, looking westwards, towards Albania, he said the EIB has already secured EU grant funding to support the technical preparation of relevant sections on both sides of the border, as lead IFI.  

"In parallel, the terms of reference for the feasibility study of the section connecting Struga with the Albanian border are currently under review by the European Commission. I hope that the summary of these developments demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting all Macedonian partners in making Rail Corridor VIII a reality," Gabriel noted. 

The EBRD's Head of North Macedonia, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, said he was very pleased to attend the signing of the amendments for the agreement for Rail Corridor VIII - Phase 3, as an important milestone for the country and for the project. 

Türkmenoğlu pointed out that the project will build 23 km of rail line between Kriva Palanka and the Bulgarian border, and it will complete the eastern section of Corridor VIII in the country. 

"With the support of our partners, including EIB and the EU, this project will help bring the country closer to its neighbours and to Europe. It will make travel and trade easier, it will also strengthen the regional lings and create new opportunities. The EBRD is proud to support this important investment. We remain committed to working with the Macedonian Government on projects that will bring lasting benefits to people and businesses," Türkmenoğlu stressed. 

The EU's Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) has provided a €149 million grant for the construction of the third section of the Corridor VIII railway. 

Photo: MIA