Bulgaria’s long-awaited Europe Highway, a major infrastructure project designed to strengthen regional transport and economic ties, will be fully operational by mid-September, the country’s Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov announced on August 21.
The 61.4-kilometre motorway stretches from Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, to the Kalotina border crossing with Serbia, where it will connect seamlessly to Serbia’s A4 motorway.
The route forms a crucial part of the Pan-European Corridor X, a strategic road network that links Central Europe with Greece and Turkey through the Western Balkans.
According to the Road Infrastructure Agency, which released the minister’s statement, final works are now underway on the last section of the project — a 16.5-kilometre stretch from Slivnitsa to the Sofia Ring Road.
Once completed, the new motorway will provide a faster, safer, and more efficient link between Sofia and Belgrade, cutting travel times significantly and facilitating smoother cross-border trade.
Minister Ivanov emphasized that the completion of the highway is not just an engineering achievement but also an economic milestone. “The Europe Highway will reinforce Bulgaria’s role as a regional transport hub, providing better opportunities for commerce, tourism, and investment,” he said.
The project, first designated as the Europe Motorway by the Bulgarian government in December 2018, has faced years of phased construction, requiring significant funding and coordination.
The highway is expected to ease congestion on existing routes, improve road safety, and support Bulgaria’s commitments to upgrading its infrastructure in line with European Union standards.
Business leaders have welcomed the announcement, noting that improved transport corridors are essential for regional growth. Logistics companies operating between Bulgaria, Serbia, and Western Europe anticipate reduced costs and increased competitiveness once the motorway opens.
Tourism operators also predict a positive impact, as the highway will make cross-border travel more convenient for visitors heading to cultural and natural attractions in both Bulgaria and Serbia.
For residents of Sofia and nearby municipalities, the new infrastructure is expected to alleviate traffic pressure on local roads, particularly around Slivnitsa and the Sofia Ring Road.
The modern four-lane motorway is designed to handle heavy traffic flows, including freight vehicles, while offering improved safety features compared to older routes.
Regional analysts point out that the Europe Highway is more than just a transport upgrade. It symbolizes Bulgaria’s ongoing integration into European transport networks and its strategic role in linking the EU with the Western Balkans.
The road will also complement broader EU-funded initiatives to modernize infrastructure in Southeast Europe. With construction nearing completion, authorities remain focused on ensuring that the final works are finished on time.
If deadlines are met, Bulgaria will see one of its most significant transport projects of the past decade open in just a few weeks, reshaping regional connectivity and reinforcing the country’s position at the crossroads of Europe.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members