SOFIA — More than three months have passed since Bulgaria submitted a draft agreement to the Republic of North Macedonia for the construction of a cross-border railway tunnel that would connect the two nations’ rail networks.
Despite Bulgaria’s expressed readiness to sign the agreement and begin construction immediately, officials in Sofia are still waiting for a formal response from Skopje.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport has described the proposed tunnel as the final unresolved issue in railway transport cooperation between the two countries.
Yet, its significance extends far beyond bilateral relations. The infrastructure project, which forms part of the strategic Pan-European Corridor 8, is seen as vital for improving regional connectivity, facilitating EU integration, and strengthening NATO’s collective security in Southeastern Europe.
Speaking to reporters this week, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadzhov reaffirmed that Bulgaria is fully prepared to move forward with the project.
“We have completed our internal procedures. The draft agreement has been sent to the Republic of North Macedonia. We are waiting,” Karadzhov said. “This is not only a transport link; it’s a strategic bridge between East and West.”
The Bulgarian government has already committed more than 4 billion leva (approximately €2 billion) to modernizing and developing its portion of Corridor 8, a key trans-European transport route stretching from the Albanian port of Durres to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Significant progress has been made on rail infrastructure within Bulgaria, positioning the country to begin cross-border construction as soon as an agreement is signed.
However, tensions have surfaced following recent statements from North Macedonia’s Ministry of Transport, accusing Bulgaria of misrepresenting the facts surrounding Corridor 8’s progress and the status of negotiations.
The accusation came shortly after Bulgarian media reported that Bulgaria was prepared to sign the draft and commence work on the railway tunnel immediately.
The unexpected claim from Skopje has fueled concerns in Sofia that the delay in response is more than just a procedural lag.
Bulgarian officials argue that the hold-up risks derailing the timely execution of the entire Corridor 8 initiative, which is considered a strategic priority for the EU and NATO.
In an official statement, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport called for transparency and constructive dialogue, saying, “We remain open to discussion and willing to address any concerns raised by our North Macedonian counterparts. However, the lack of a clear and timely response threatens the shared vision of greater regional integration and security.”
Experts say the successful completion of the railway tunnel would mark a major milestone in the long-standing efforts to upgrade transport infrastructure in the Balkans.
In the context of increasing geopolitical tensions, NATO has emphasized the importance of reliable and interconnected infrastructure among its member states and partners.
As Bulgaria awaits a definitive answer from North Macedonia, pressure is mounting on both sides to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that strategic transport goals for the region are not lost to political hesitation.