The environmental procedures for the construction of the Strumyani – Berovo (Klepalo) Border Crossing Point on the territory of Bulgaria have been successfully completed. The Supreme Expert Environmental Council under the Ministry of Environment and Water adopted a decision approving the implementation of the investment proposal for the construction of the border crossing and its related access infrastructure.
The decision also covers the project for Road III-1008 “Strumyani – Klepalo Border Crossing Point,” with the contracting parties being the Blagoevgrad Regional Administration and the Road Infrastructure Agency. Route Option 1 has been approved, as it provides a shorter alignment, requires fewer construction activities, and has a limited environmental impact.
The selected option complies with nature conservation requirements, including the objectives for protecting the “Kresna – Ilindentsi” zone of the Natura 2000. At the same time, it enables the implementation of the infrastructure with minimal impact on natural landscapes and biodiversity.
The new bilateral border crossing point, which will be located in the municipalities of Strumyani and Berovo, is a strategic project under Priority 2 "A More Connected Cross-Border Region" of the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria - North Macedonia Programme. The total cost of the project is EUR 11 million, including national co-financing from both countries.
The lead partner is the Blagoevgrad Regional Administration, designated as the beneficiary by a decision of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, while the partner from the Republic of North Macedonia is the Customs Administration.
The implementation of the project requires coordinated actions between a number of institutions at 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.