BULGARIA’S CARETAKER PM: RAILWAY TRANSPORT IS A TOP CONCERN FOR THE GOVERNMENT

A major priority for the government is the railway transport, Bulgaria’s caretaker Prime Minister said at a Regional Transport Investment Conference held in Sofia on 23rd of March.

He stressed that because of its strategic position, the country focused on the development of a modern East-West transport infrastructure. According to him, by the end of the current programming period, with the help of EU funds, the main railway lines to Turkey and Greece should be completed. The Prime Minister highlighted that urgent measures were needed to save the railways and called for investment in the sector.

“Despite our short term, being a responsible government we have made railway transport our top concern," he said. We need prompt, bold decisions, resolute policies for the rescue and modernization of railway transport and serious investors. We also need support from our EU partners."

At the opening of the forum, Gerdzhikov said that it was held at a highly expert level but also had a distinct political potential.

He thanked the European Commission for the decision that Bulgaria host the conference on investment in transport organized by the European Commission in Sofia. He warmly welcomed the Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Violeta Bulc in Sofia.

The forum was attended by ministers and experts from EU member-states involved in the planning and financing of the European transport infrastructure, representatives of the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, banks and financial institutions.

“I expect to hear discussions on specific initiatives promoting infrastructure financing in Europe and smart solutions for the transition to effective, safe and sustainable mobility," he said.

Europe's successful transport policy of the recent decade has established the corridor approach as a useful instrument of connecting neighbouring countries. "Being a Balkan country, Bulgaria welcomes the inclusion of the Western Balkans in the main transport network of united Europe," he said. The decision to expand the area to encompass the Eastern Partnership countries opens up new opportunities for cooperation in transport and for implementing mutually advantageous projects, the Prime Minister noted.

source and photo: BTA