Skopje, 6 August 2026 (MIA) - This project has been optimized and made clear over the past couple of years. Otherwise, it would have ended with half a tunnel, without any clear estimate from our eastern neighbor that the section linking the border with Sofia would be modernized. We made progress in our talks with them, we signed agreements and both sides have shown commitment, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski at Thursday's agreement-signing event on financing the construction of Corridor VIII railway section Kriva Palanka - Deve Bair.

PM Mickoski said support provided by European financial institutions and the European Union is another proof that joint and committed efforts make the impossible turn into reality.

"Now comes the difficult part. The construction of these 22 kilometers from an engineering standpoint is truly challenging. Nevertheless, I have confidence in the Macedonian construction companies, which I expect will largely contribute to the realization of this project. I expect the tender procedure to be completed by the end of the year, immediately followed by the launch of construction works," said Mickoski.

According to him, the project is now an entirety that will link the two countries.

"It is part of the NATO priorities and the economic priorities of both countries. We have been waiting for more than 30 years for this project to be financially viable, resulting from the Government's policies and the enormous support from our partners - European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction ands Development - and the grant provided by the European Commission's Western Balkans Investment Framework," said Mickoski.

Photo: MIA