Bulgaria Avoids Third Meeting on Corridor 8⁤ Railway Project, North Macedonia’s Deputy PM Says

Bulgaria’s reluctance to attend a third meeting on the Corridor 8 railway project has sparked concerns over the future of the initiative, according to North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime⁤ Minister ⁣and Minister of Transport, Alexander Nikoloski. In a recent interview on TV Channel 5, Nikoloski accused Bulgarian⁤ officials of avoiding the meeting because ‌thay “will face their own defeat and will ‌have to start working.”

Nikoloski explained that‌ when he assumed his role as minister, he identified meaningful issues with the third phase of the railway line connecting ⁢Kriva palanka to the Bulgarian border.Instead of engaging ‌in constructive dialog, Bulgaria launched⁣ a series ​of attacks, accusing North Macedonia ⁤of aligning with Serbia and ‍Greece. “This ⁣is nonsense,” Nikoloski said, adding that Bulgaria wasted time by lobbying European officials and politicians, while North Macedonia presented its case and emerged victorious.

The first two meetings, held ⁢in Brussels and Sofia, resulted in Bulgaria accepting three key arguments from North Macedonia: the need to revise the route due to its high cost,​ the ⁤joint construction of a tunnel, and Bulgaria’s responsibility to ⁣build its portion of the⁢ railway. A third meeting⁤ was scheduled for Skopje in November to finalize the agreement and ​begin implementation. Though, Bulgaria has⁣ as avoided the meeting, citing concerns over facing “reality” and the collapse of their arguments.

“It’s easy to sell fog and make propaganda, but⁣ when you⁣ face reality it’s hard, and that’s why they don’t come to the meeting,” Nikoloski ‍said.”We have no problem with the​ meeting being in⁢ Brussels and ⁤in Sofia, but they don’t want to come because‍ they will face their⁢ own defeat and have to start working.”

In response to ⁢a parliamentary question in late November,⁢ Nikoloski revealed that the ⁢Bulgarian Ministry of Transport had refused⁤ to participate in the third technical meeting. The ⁣ministry⁣ later clarified‍ that it did not decline participation but would respond after ‌reviewing North Macedonia’s comments on the Sofia meeting document.Bulgaria also reiterated that the construction of⁤ Lot ‍3 is North Macedonia’s sole responsibility and that it has fulfilled its commitments on its territory.

Nikoloski emphasized that North macedonia’s priority remains connecting ​to Sofia and the Black ‍Sea via rail. He criticized ⁤Albania for⁤ inaction on railway projects, stating, “We are the only ones working and spending money in terms of the​ railway.”⁣ He announced that the first phase of the Corridor 8 railway, from Kumanovo to⁣ Beliakovce, will be operational‌ by New Year’s Day, alongside a new‍ highway from Kumanovo to the Deve‌ bair border crossing with Bulgaria.

Despite these advancements, Nikoloski expressed frustration with the state of the road connecting Güeshevo to Sofia, calling it a “shame.” His⁤ comments highlight the growing tension between North Macedonia and ⁣Bulgaria ‍over the Corridor 8 project, raising questions about ⁢the future‍ of regional cooperation.

As the year draws to a close, the fate of the Corridor 8 railway remains uncertain, with both countries at odds over‌ responsibilities and timelines.​ The project,⁣ which aims to enhance ‍regional connectivity, now faces‍ delays and potential ⁢setbacks, underscoring the challenges of cross-border collaboration in​ the Balkans.

### Interview: Navigating the Tensions Over the‌ Corridor 8 Railway Project

**Exploring the ⁢Challenges and Future of Regional ⁣Cooperation Between North Macedonia and bulgaria**



The Corridor 8 railway project, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity in the Balkans, ​has recently faced significant hurdles ⁤due ​to Bulgaria’s reluctance to participate in crucial meetings.North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and minister of Transport, Alexander Nikoloski, has publicly expressed frustration over Bulgaria’s avoidance of a third meeting scheduled for Skopje. This interview​ delves into the complexities of the‌ project, the implications of Bulgaria’s ‍stance, and the broader challenges of cross-border collaboration in the region.‌



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#### **The Background of the Corridor 8 Railway Project**

**Senior Editor (SE):** Thank you for joining us today. To‌ start, could you provide a brief overview of the Corridor 8 railway project ⁢and its significance for both North Macedonia and Bulgaria? ⁤



**Specialist Guest (SG):** Certainly. The Corridor 8 railway ⁣project​ is a vital initiative designed to ‌connect the Black Sea region with the Adriatic Sea,‌ passing through ⁢North Macedonia and Bulgaria. it’s part ‌of a broader European strategy to improve ​regional connectivity and foster economic growth in the Balkans.For North Macedonia,this project is a‌ cornerstone for ⁢enhancing its rail⁣ infrastructure ⁤and connecting to ⁤major European transport networks.



**SE:** And what role does Bulgaria‌ play in ‍this project?



**SG:** Bulgaria is ​a key partner in this initiative, as the railway line extends from North Macedonia into Bulgarian territory. The project⁣ involves joint responsibilities, including the construction of specific sections of the​ railway and‍ the coordination of cross-border infrastructure.



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#### **Bulgaria’s Reluctance‌ to Attend the Third meeting** ⁢

**SE:** The article mentions that Bulgaria has avoided a third meeting ⁢on ⁣the project. What are the potential reasons behind this reluctance, and how has it impacted ‌the initiative?



**SG:**​ From what we’ve gathered, Bulgaria’s avoidance of‍ the‍ third meeting seems to⁤ stem ‍from a reluctance to⁣ face the realities of the project. North Macedonia has made significant progress⁤ in presenting its case, including addressing the high costs​ of the original route and proposing a revised plan. ⁤Bulgaria, on‍ the other hand, appears to be stalling, possibly due to‍ internal⁤ disagreements ⁢or concerns about their own commitments.​



**SE:** How has this affected‍ the timeline and ‌overall progress of the project? ⁣



**SG:** The delays caused ⁤by Bulgaria’s absence are concerning. the third meeting was meant to finalize agreements and kickstart implementation, but without Bulgaria’s⁣ participation, the project ⁤is effectively at‌ a standstill.This not only delays ⁣regional connectivity but also‍ raises questions about the ​commitment of both ⁣countries to the ⁣initiative.​



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#### **North Macedonia’s Perspective and Achievements**

**SE:** North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Nikoloski, has been ‌vocal about the country’s efforts. What are some of the key achievements North⁣ Macedonia has made in this project?



**SG:** North Macedonia⁣ has demonstrated a strong commitment to the project. They’ve successfully ​argued for a revised route due to its high cost, proposed joint construction of ‍a‌ tunnel,​ and secured Bulgaria’s acceptance of its responsibilities for building its ⁢portion of the railway.Additionally, North Macedonia has made‌ significant progress on other railway and​ highway projects, such as the ⁢kumanovo-Beliakovce railway⁢ and the Kumanovo-Deve Bair highway.



**SE:** Nikoloski also criticized Albania for inaction on railway projects. What does this say about the regional dynamics?⁣



**SG:** It highlights the disparity in ⁢efforts among Balkan countries. While‌ North Macedonia ​is actively working on‌ improving its infrastructure, albania appears to be lagging behind.This creates an imbalance​ in regional cooperation and underscores the challenges of coordinating cross-border projects in⁢ the Balkans.



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#### **The⁣ Future of Regional Cooperation**

**SE:**⁤ What are the‍ potential long-term implications ⁣of Bulgaria’s stance⁤ on the Corridor 8 project? ‍



**SG:** If Bulgaria continues to avoid addressing its responsibilities, it could jeopardize the entire project. The Corridor 8 railway ​is not just⁢ about infrastructure; it’s a symbol of regional cooperation and integration. Delays and setbacks could discourage other⁢ countries from⁢ investing in similar​ initiatives, further isolating the Balkans from European transport networks.



**SE:** Do you ⁢see any signs of resolution or compromise⁢ in ‍the near future?



**SG:** It’s difficult to predict, but both countries have a ‌vested interest in seeing⁢ the project succeed.​ North Macedonia has‍ shown willingness to ‍engage constructively, ‌and⁢ Bulgaria may eventually have to face ‌the realities of the situation.‍ However,‍ without ⁣immediate action, the ‍project risks becoming a cautionary‌ tale about the challenges‍ of cross-border ⁤collaboration in the region. ⁢



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#### ⁢**Conclusion:⁣ A Call for Action**

**SE:** In closing, what message woudl you‌ like to convey to both North Macedonia and ⁢Bulgaria regarding the Corridor 8 railway​ project?



**SG:** The message⁣ is clear: this ​project is too important to fail. ⁢Both countries need to set aside their differences‌ and focus on‍ the shared goal of enhancing regional ​connectivity. North Macedonia ⁢has done its part; now it’s time for bulgaria to step up and fulfill⁢ its commitments. The ⁤future of the Balkans depends on their ability to work together.



**SE:** Thank you for your insights. This ⁢has been a fascinating discussion on a critical issue for the region. ​⁤



**SG:** Thank you for ⁣having me. I hope this interview helps raise​ awareness about the importance ​of the Corridor 8 railway project and the need for cooperation between North Macedonia ‍and Bulgaria.



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This interview highlights the tensions surrounding the Corridor 8 railway project and underscores the⁢ importance of regional collaboration for its ⁤success. As the year ‍comes ​to⁤ a close, the​ fate of the project remains uncertain, but the stakes are too high to ignore.