![The geostrategic importance of the Thessaloniki-Ruse railway axis](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bulgaria-karamanlis.jpeg)
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Costas Karamanlis, described the railway axis Thessaloniki – Alexandroupoli – Kavala – Burgas – Varna – Rousse as a “project of geostrategic importance”.
During his meetings in Bulgaria, Mr. Karamanlis noted that this axis will give impetus to freight transport and will have a positive environmental sign.
The meetings
The Greek Minister had a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria in charge of EU funds and Minister of Finance, Mr. Assen Vassiliev, the Bulgarian Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr. Nikolai Sabev and the Minister of Energy, Mr. Nikolov. He then met in person with Mr. Sambef.
In his statements after the meetings, Mr. Karamanlis highlighted the Greek-Bulgarian consensus on issues of network development and issues of transnational cooperation in the field of transport.
“Regional development and cohesion in our region goes through the coordinated effort to form common routes and continuous flow corridors. “Our neighborhood creates the appropriate conditions for the development of the ports of the two countries, in the logic of an integrated railway axis connecting them”, noted the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.
“The most appropriate moment”
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport assessed that the given time is the most appropriate for the further promotion of the cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria, as the process of revision of the Trans-European Network is in progress.
According to Mr. Karamanlis, “the cooperation between the two countries will be strengthened both in the European fora and in the Council of EU Ministries of Transport”.
During the meetings, the development of the cross-border road connections Greece – Bulgaria was also discussed. Greek concerns about road freight transport also emerged.
Strengthening cooperation
“The observance of the Community and national acquis on both sides and the tightening of controls within the framework of legality, is the path to the mutual and beneficial development of the sector in both countries”, Mr. Karamanlis underlined.
“At critical times, such as the ones we are going through, with the geopolitical chessboard pulsating, our orientation towards sustainable development, the carbonization of transport, the development of European Development Corridors and transnational cooperation must be maintained and strengthened,” he added. Of Infrastructure and Transport, expressing his joy for the understanding on the issues and for the codification of the joint actions of Greece-Bulgaria for the immediate future.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023
![Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ergasia-ergazomenos-600x300.jpg)
Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated
Specifically, the option "Subjective opinions are prioritized over objective data" ranked highest in importance for young employees, with a score of 3.89 out of 4
![OECD: Job Vacancies on the Rise in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ergasiabusinness-768x556-1-1-600x434.jpeg)
OECD: Job Vacancies on the Rise in Greece
By the fourth quarter of 2023, job vacancies per unemployed person had risen by more than 4, with the index reaching 446 units compared to 100 units in late 2019
![OTE Group: FTTH Program Advancing in Semi-Urban and Rural Areas of Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ΟΤΕ-Group_1-600x450.jpg)
OTE Group: FTTH Program Advancing in Semi-Urban and Rural Areas of Greece
This initiative will provide ultra-fast internet speeds of up to 1Gbps to over 350,000 households and businesses in semi-urban and rural areas across the country