Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001694/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew)
On 20 June 1995, an agreement was signed between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Hellenic Republic to open three new border crossing points (BCPs) and their adjoining road links no later than the end of 1998.
Bulgaria has completed work on a new road section and the Rudozem-Xanthi BCP, thereby completely fulfilling its commitment to construct and put into service the last of the three BCPs agreed with the Hellenic Republic.
The Hellenic Republic claims that the road has not been completed – despite being co-financed with funds from the EU’s interregional cooperation programme Interreg Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020, with a final reporting deadline of 31 March 2025 – and, instead, a metal fence and concrete barriers have been erected on the Greek side, making it impossible to cross the border, even on foot.
Given that Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025:
- 1.How does the Commission view the fact that the long-awaited Rudozem-Xanthi road section remains inaccessible to transport, in view of the commitments under the Schengen Borders Code?
- 2.What does the Commission estimate the lost benefits arising from this delay to be in terms of failing to reduce transport pressure or comply to with Vision Zero for reducing road accident victims by 2050?
- 3.What immediate steps will the Commission take to make transit possible and ensure proper connectivity between Rudozem and Xanthi?
Submitted: 28.4.2025