site.btaEUR 600 Mln Allocated for Rail Infrastructure Development in Current EU Programming Period, Says Head of EC Representation in Bulgaria

In the current programming period (2021–2027), EUR 600 million has been allocated to support the development of railway infrastructure along the core and comprehensive Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission (EC) Representation in Bulgaria, said during the conference “Strategic Infrastructure Projects in Rail Transport” held on Friday in Sofia.

Chobanova noted that these are significant investments, confirming Europe’s commitment to improving connectivity and promoting environmentally friendly transport. She identified key priorities as enhancing regional connectivity, reducing harmful emissions, and contributing to a stronger and more competitive Bulgaria and Europe. According to her, an integrated rail system would unlock greater opportunities for tourism, economic growth, and the realization of Bulgaria’s potential. The goal is for strategic projects to accelerate the development of European transport corridors through Bulgaria. This is an absolutely key priority for the EC, not only for the current programming period but also for the years ahead, Chobanova said.

She also announced that in the coming days, the EC would propose parameters for the multiannual financial framework, highlighting the investment priorities and focus areas for Europe. These priorities are closely tied to the development of the single European market, which, she noted, cannot function without strong connectivity with neighboring countries and their integration.

Chobanova reported that between 2014 and 2020, cohesion policy investments in sustainable transport totaled EUR 942 million. These funds supported the development of both the core and complementary road networks and contributed to the modernization of approximately 375 km of railway infrastructure. However, she expressed regret that the density and quality of Bulgaria’s rail infrastructure still fall significantly below the EU average and that there are marked differences between the northern and southern regions of the country.

To overcome these disparities, she stressed the need to accelerate investments in the rail network. "It’s true that progress has been made in previous programming periods, but now we face the major challenge of ensuring continuity and building on what has already been achieved," Chobanova said. The way forward, she concluded, is through key investments in the development of railway segments across the country.