05.05.2022

NEW BRIDGES AND AN OLD FERRY ON THE DANUBE

Making the Danube a key transport corridor for Europe will be a common task for Bulgaria and Romania. This became clear after the meeting of the Prime Minister Kiril Petkov with the Prime Minister of Romania Nicolae Chuca.

A joint group with representatives of the two countries is expected to start work this week, discussing infrastructure projects that will make the Danube navigable year-round. The possibilities for building another bridge to Ruse and four others along the river, as well as dredging the waterway will also be considered. These initiatives will contribute to economic development and prosperity in the region, said Prime Minister Petkov. EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valian supported regional co-operation and highlighted the great potential of the Danube River in the context of the need for new export corridors.

The ferry line Ruse - Giurgiu will resume its activities. This became possible after the signing of an Agreement between Bulgaria and Romania on the opening of a Bulgarian-Romanian border checkpoint Ruse - Giurgiu - ferry. The opening of the border crossing point will significantly ease the traffic on the Bulgarian-Romanian border.

The decision to resume the ferry line was taken during a meeting with Minister Sorin Grindianu in January at the initiative of Minister Nikolay Sabev in Ruse.

During the plenary session of the two government delegations, the main topic was improving the transport connectivity of the two countries. The construction of a second bridge between Giurgiu and Ruse was discussed, for which European funding will be sought. The two countries will continue their joint work on launching the Danube dredging project and including it in the European Fast Danube program.