site.btaRegional Development Minister in Greece: Road Modernization to Boost Regional Growth and Living Standards

Modernizing road links and infrastructure networks between Bulgaria and Greece is an opportunity to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve living standards in both countries, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov said at a forum in Thessaloniki, Greece. The event was organized by the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Green Transition Forum as part of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, with a focus on Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone, the Regional Development and Public Works Ministry said in a press release on Sunday.

“Creating efficient transport and infrastructure networks is a clear opportunity to drive economic progress, achieve sustainable growth, and improve living standards not only in Bulgaria and Greece but also in our region and the entire European Union,” Ivanov said.

He announced that on September 1, 2025, the “CrossBo 2” project had been approved by the programme’s Monitoring Committee, marking another step forward in improving cross-border connectivity.

The project is a partnership between Bulgaria’s Road Infrastructure Agency and Greece’s Egnatia Odos S.A. It foresees the modernisation of the Rudozem ring road, the Kardzhali-Makaza route, and the preparation of a technical design for Smolyan’s main road connection in Bulgaria, as well as upgrades to the Xanthi-Echinos-Greek-Bulgarian border axis in Greece.

“Modernising road connections in our cross-border region is a stimulus for economic development between our countries and a factor in improving people’s quality of life,” Ivanov stressed. He also outlined other major Bulgarian transport projects, such as the imminent completion of the Europe Motorway, the continuation of the Struma Motorway through the Kresna Gorge, and others, noting that while these are on Bulgarian territory, they will contribute to the development of the wider region.

Ivanov also highlighted the Bulgaria-Greece cross-border co-operation programme, which provides opportunities beyond road infrastructure. For example, by the end of the year, a targeted call worth EUR 5.8 million will be launched to support micro and small enterprises in the cross-border area through a Small Projects Fund for direct support to local businesses. 

“By mid-month, we expect the approval of the ‘Flood Protection 2’ project, aimed at reducing the risk of natural disasters related to flooding and improving the safety of the local population,” Ivanov said.