Strategic transport and energy connectivity projects in the Balkans contribute to the common security of Europe

The strategic projects for transport, energy and digital connectivity in the Balkans, in which Bulgaria has a very active role, contribute to the common security of Europe. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications (MTC), Hristo Alexiev, at a meeting today with the former Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner in two portfolios, Günter Verheugen.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that Bulgaria took an active role in the establishment of the so-called Middle corridor from Asia through the Bulgarian Black Sea ports to Europe. "This project, together with the joint initiative with Greece for rail connectivity of Aegean and Black Sea ports, will help meet the challenges of completely changed trade flows. Energetic solutions are required not only because of the blocking of the Northern Transport Corridor in connection with the war with Ukraine, but also because of the incredible increase in land traffic between Bulgaria and Turkey, which makes our border the second busiest in the world," said Hristo Alexiev. He added that the main goal of the projects being prepared is to be attractive to investors so that they can be implemented in optimal terms. Günter Verheugen commented that the approach of actively searching for alternatives and ways of their implementation is a very good solution for cargo flows in the region.

"In Bulgaria, we have a good experience of the way in which we managed to achieve complete energy diversification in an extremely short period of time. The big challenge was to find alternative supplies at the best prices, we managed it and the change was accepted by consumers," the deputy prime minister pointed out.

When asked by Günter Verheugen whether Bulgaria receives support in its efforts from Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister Alexiev replied that the postponement of Bulgaria's entry into Schengen is a serious issue for logistics in the region.