Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania Sign Landmark Transport Cooperation Agreement in Brussels

Historic Agreement Signed in Brussels

On December 3, 2025, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brussels, marking a significant step towards enhanced cross-border cooperation in transport infrastructure. The agreement aims to foster deeper regional integration, improve connectivity, and reinforce Europe's overall security, competitiveness, and resilience across the Southeast European region. The signing ceremony was hosted by EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

The MoU was signed by key transport officials from the three nations: Konstantinos Kyranakis, Greece's Minister of Infrastructure and Transport; Grozdan Karadjov, Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications; and Ionuț Cristian Săvoiu, Secretary of State in the Romanian Ministry of Transport.

Key Initiatives and Strategic Corridors

The agreement outlines a shared commitment to accelerate the modernization and interoperability of strategic transport links, encompassing rail, road, and inland waterways. A central component of this initiative is the establishment of a Black Sea–Aegean Sea Corridor Platform (BACP). This platform will bring together the Transport Ministers of the three member states to provide strategic guidance and political coordination for the implementation of the agreement.

A major focus is the development of a crucial north-south road and rail corridor designed to link Thessaloniki in Greece with Bucharest in Romania, passing through Alexandroupoli and various hubs in Bulgaria. This corridor is envisioned as a vital artery for the region, connecting the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Danube River, and extending links into Central Europe.

Infrastructure Development and Future Plans

Specific infrastructure projects highlighted in the memorandum include the construction of three new bridges over the Danube River. Proposed locations for these bridges include a second combined crossing between Ruse and Giurgiu, as well as new bridges at Silistra-Calarasi and Nikopol-Turnu Magurele. Additionally, existing Danube ferry lines, such as Oryahovo–Bechet, Svishtov–Zimnicea, and Silistra–Calarasi, are slated for upgrades to meet dual-use standards, enhancing both civilian and military mobility.

The projects fall within the framework of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), emphasizing their European relevance. Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated, 'This commitment by Greece, Bulgaria and Romania marks a decisive step in strengthening the most strategic north–south corridor in south-east Europe.' He further added that the new transport links will be 'essential for supply chains and for the movement of troops and equipment, extending from Greece to Moldova and Ukraine.'

Funding and Implementation Timeline

The implementation of these ambitious projects is expected to be supported by European funds and facilitated through public-private partnerships. A comprehensive financing plan, along with a detailed roadmap outlining specific projects and timelines, is anticipated to be presented by the end of 2026. This strategic framework represents both a political commitment and a guiding structure for cooperation in the coming years, with regular coordination at political and technical levels.