Brussels, 5 December 2025 (MIA) - We are investing strong efforts in building and modernizing the two European corridors that intersect the country, through the railway connection with Bulgaria, the construction of a high-speed rail line on Corridor 10, and the construction of motorway sections on Corridor 8, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said at the Ministerial Council of the Transport Community, held Friday in Brussels.

“It is our advantage that two Pan-European corridors 8 and 10 intersect our country and as a government we have decided to invest strong efforts in advancing both corridors. This is something we are working on together with our friends and partners,” Nikoloski said.

He noted that an agreement was signed last month with Bulgaria to establish direct rail links between the capitals, Skopje and Sofia, along Corridor 8.

“It is a major achievement for both countries, something that will fundamentally change the reality in the region, and we are now working to implement it. On our side, the railway is divided into three sections. One has been operational since January this year, the second we hope to complete next year, and for the third we are working with our partners from the EIB to publish the tender no later than January. I expect progress there as well, and that is how we will achieve the connection with Bulgaria through the tunnel,” Nikoloski noted.

Speaking about Corridor 10, Nikoloski noted that the country has opted to construct a high-speed railway enabling speeds of up to 200 km/h for passenger transport and 120 km/h for freight trains. Favorable financing has been secured from the United Kingdom, and preparatory work is already under way.

“If things proceed as planned, the first machinery should be on site by June 2026 at the latest, with completion expected within five years. This will strongly support the region’s economy and connectivity,” he said.

Nikoloski also said that procedures are under way for the Corridor 10 motorways, in cooperation with the World Bank, and that work is also progressing on motorway sections for Corridor 8.

“As for Corridor 8, the eastern section between Kumanovo and Kriva Palanka was opened in January. Work is progressing on the western section as well, and I would like to invite you all to see the progress firsthand,” Nikoloski noted.

During the Ministerial Council, organized by the Secretariat of the Transport Community, discussions focus on the Western Balkan countries’ progress in transport policy and the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Chaired by EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the meeting brings together Nikoloski, transport ministers, and government officials from Albania, Bulgaria, Ireland, Cyprus, Kosovo, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and other European nations.

By attending the Ministerial Council, Nikoloski wrapped up his working visit to Brussels, which included his address Thursday at the panel “Enlargement matters - Europe’s new geopolitical, security, and economic frontier” within the framework of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, organized by Friends of Europe think tank as well as several bilateral meetings with EU and Transport Community representatives and his ministerial colleagues.

Photo: Ministry of Transport