The Higher Expert Environmental Council at the Ministry of Environment and Waters has approved the Environmental procedures for the construction of the Strumyani – Berovo (Klepalo) border checkpoint. The decision gives the “green light“ to implement the investment proposal for the construction of the border checkpoint, the related infrastructure and the road III-1008 from Strumyani to the border with the contracting authorities Blagoevgrad Regional Administration and the “Road Infrastructure“ Agency.
Option 1 for the route, which provides for a shorter passage, a smaller volume of construction activities and limited impact on the environment, has been approved. The selected solution is in line with the requirements for nature protection, including the objectives for the protection of the “Kresna – Ilindentsi“ zone from the Natura 2000 network. At the same time, it allows the implementation of the infrastructure with minimal impact on natural landscapes and biodiversity.
The new bilateral border crossing point, which will be located on the territory of the municipalities of Strumyani and Berovo, is a strategic project under Priority 2 “More connected cross-border region“ of the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia Programme managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. The total value of the project is 11 million euros, including national co-financing from both countries.
The lead partner is the Blagoevgrad District Administration, designated as a beneficiary by a decision of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, and the partner from the Republic of North Macedonia is the “Customs“ Directorate.
The implementation of the project requires coordinated actions between a number of institutions at the national and regional level, related to the organization and functioning of border control. The successful completion of the environmental procedures is an important step towards its implementation and towards improving connectivity in the cross-border region.