Key projects in the field of transport were one of the topics in the talks between the Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Communications, Mr. Kiril Dobrev, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bulgaria, H.E. Ms. Irene Plank. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Andrey Runchev, and the member of the Committee, Mr. Iliyan Yonchev.
Mr. Dobrev welcomed Ambassador Plank and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss key issues related to the development of transport and connectivity between Bulgaria and Germany. He stressed that Germany is a long-standing strategic partner of Bulgaria and that cooperation between the two countries in the transport sector is essential for economic development and infrastructure modernization.
The main focus of the meeting was the investment C8.I2 “On-board equipment for the European Train Management System (ERTMS)“, provided for in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Another important issue was the transport Corridor VIII, which is a strategic priority for Bulgaria and has a key role in the connectivity between the Black and Adriatic Seas. The progress in the railway and road infrastructure along the route was discussed, as well as efforts to secure the necessary financing and complete the project within the stipulated deadlines.
The topics of the discussion included cooperation in the railway sector, including the modernization of BDZ, as well as the issue of the liberalization of bus transport and cabotage transport on the territory of Bulgaria in the context of European regulations.
Ambassador Irene Planck presented current initiatives and projects related to transport and telecommunications connectivity between the two countries, including Germany's candidacy in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the development of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) for railway transport.
In conclusion, the parties united around the need to continue active dialogue and cooperation for the development of transport infrastructure and strengthening economic ties between Bulgaria and Germany.