site.btaTransport Minister: Bulgarian Railways Are Coming Out of Economy's Pantry

Bulgarian railways are coming out of the national economy's pantry, Transport and Communications Minister Nikolay Sabev told a press conference in Ruse, on the Danube, on Tuesday. Speaking at a discussion on the resumption of a project for the construction of an urban railway in the city, Sabev said that Bulgaria should respond to the EU Green Deal and climate-neutral policies are essential to his ministry.

"To the horror of those who expected to continue doing business at the expense of the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ), this will no longer be the case. BDZ is getting back on its feet and is doing better and better," Sabev added.

The Ruse urban railway is designed to provide a rapid connection between the central part of the city and the area of the former Heavy Machine-building Plant, as well as the city’s two industrial zones, industrial park and connection with the town of Marten and other settlements. The management of the State Enterprise "National Railway Infrastructure Company" also took part in the talks.

Ruse could become part of a major industrial conglomerate that includes Bucharest and Varna, Sabev said.

The minister also mentioned the European Mobility Package concerning the periodic return of trucks to their place of registration. Sabev assured that Bulgaria’s efforts to defer this measure and reduce its burden on haulers will continue. 

The Union of International Haulers said on Tuesday that the European Court of Justice has rejected a request to temporarily suspend the application of the most controversial provision of the Mobility I Package - the return of trucks to their place of registration. In October 2021, Bulgaria filed a claim for postponement of the measure until the final decision of the court in the case. In its request, Bulgaria was supported by 8 other EU member states (Poland, Cyprus, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Malta and Romania).