The government of the Republic of North Macedonia has secured substantial international funding for key infrastructure development, notably for the railway line connecting Kriva Palanka to the Bulgarian border. The funding package includes a significant grant of 149 million euros from the European Union’s Investment Framework for the Western Balkans, alongside 175 million euros in loans provided by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These funds cover the initial tranche necessary for the implementation of the project’s third phase.
According to Christian Mitkoski, the railway project has been under development for more than three decades. A critical element of the recent agreements involved securing a commitment from Bulgaria to ensure the tunnel is completed fully, a measure intended to prevent potential damage to the Macedonian economy from an incomplete structure. Furthermore, the nation continues to advance its connectivity goals through the framework of the 8th Corridor reform.
Mitkoski confirmed that work is progressing on the section spanning from Skopje to Gostivar. The receipt of this major European funding marks a significant milestone in realizing these long-planned transport links, supporting regional economic integration and modernization efforts across the Balkan region.
Topics: #european #grant #third
