The connectivity between the Orient and Western Europe is a fact, stated the Bulgarian Minister of Regional Development.
View from above of part of the route of the “Europe” motorway, from the border crossing “Kalotina” at the Bulgarian-Serbian border to the capital of Bulgaria – Sofia. Photo: Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria
SOFIA – The “Europe” motorway, which connects the Bulgarian capital Sofia with the border with the Republic of Serbia, has been put into operation. The route is 63 km long and is part of the main trans-European transport network, providing a connection between the “Kalotina” border crossing on the Bulgarian-Serbian border and the trans-European transport corridor “Orient/East Mediterranean”. The route is part of the direction London – Budapest – Belgrade – Niš – Sofia – Plovdiv – Istanbul – Kolkata, which is the shortest path connecting Western Europe with the Near and Middle East, as stated on the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.
Minister Ivan Ivanov emphasized that the connectivity between the Orient and Western Europe is now a reality. He also pointed out that “the infrastructure projects expected by Bulgarian citizens are underway and are expected to be completed within the term”. Ivanov stressed that the priority projects for connectivity with the north and south should become a reality soon, as this is a key commitment of the cabinet and an expectation of our European partners.
At the opening, the Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that construction of the remaining road infrastructure projects in the country is actively continuing.
The groundbreaking for the first lot of the motorway – between the “Kalotina” border crossing and the town of Dragoman – was made in May 2019.
The construction of the motorway is financed with funds from the national budget and from the European Union. (14.09.2025)