Bulgaria, Greece and Romania have signed an action plan covering 25 strategic transport projects worth a total of approximately €22.8 billion, aimed at creating a network of connections between the Aegean Sea, the Danube and the Black Sea.
Among the priority projects are the modernization of the Ruse–Giurgiu–Bucharest railway connection by 2030 and the construction of a new road and rail bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu by 2032.
The plan was signed in Brussels by representatives of the three countries and marks a shift from political coordination toward the planning and implementation of concrete cross-border projects.
Of 53 projects initially included in the portfolio, 25 were selected as priorities based on their strategic importance and level of readiness. Some already have funding, while the three countries plan to seek additional European funding for the projects under the EU budget for 2028–2034.
One of the key projects for Romania and Bulgaria is the modernization of the Ruse–Giurgiu–Bucharest railway connection, including the electrification of the railway infrastructure on the existing bridge over the Danube.
The works are planned for 2028–2030, with the project expected to seek funding through the Connecting Europe Facility.
In parallel, Romania and Bulgaria plan to build a new combined road and rail bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu, along with connecting roads around the two cities. According to the plan, the project is expected to be completed by 2032.
Additional projects include new bridges over the Danube at Silistra–Călărași and Nikopol–Turnu Măgurele.
Rail transport is another major component of the plan. Several railway lines are set to be modernized and electrified, with increased capacity planned on routes including Burgas–Varna–Ruse.
The broader objective is to improve transport links between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.
The new network is organized along three main corridors.
The first will connect Athens and Thessaloniki with Sofia and continue toward Romania and Central Europe.
The second will run from Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli through Bulgaria, reaching Bucharest via Ruse and Giurgiu, with onward connections to Moldova and Ukraine.
The third will link Alexandroupoli with Burgas, Varna and Constanța, creating a direct transport connection between the Aegean and Black Seas.
The plan also includes the FAST2 Danube project, which aims to improve navigation conditions on the Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube. The project already has funding and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
The three countries intend to secure additional EU funding for cross-border infrastructure under the bloc’s 2028–2034 budget.
Authorities say the new connections are expected to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers and strengthen economic links between Southeastern Europe, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.