Mayor of Oryahovo: Our connectivity with the EU is minimal due to the lack of bridges over the Danube

Bulgaria suffers from critically weak infrastructural connectivity with the European Union, emphasized the Mayor of Oryahovo, Rosen Dobrev, during a working meeting at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW).

During the meeting, organized by Minister Ivan Shishkov with the participation of mayors from Northwestern Bulgaria, Dobrev pointed out that despite the principles of free movement of people and goods in the EU, the country's real connectivity with European partners is almost zero. According to him, the main problem is the fact that Bulgaria has only two bridges over the Danube River, which limits transit and the development of the northern regions.

The mayor emphasized the contrast between the municipal and state infrastructure in Oryahovo. While municipal roads are modernized and in good condition, the state roads passing through the municipality's territory are in critical condition. "There are some that are difficult to walk on, let alone an ambulance," Dobrev stated.

According to the mayor, without strategic connectivity with Romania and better bridges over the Danube, even the construction of the Hemus motorway will not achieve its goals for the revitalization of Northern Bulgaria. He added that the region has been neglected in the distribution of investments and European funds in favor of Southern Bulgaria.

Minister Ivan Shishkov reacted to the region's problems, describing the attitude towards Northwestern Bulgaria as "bordering on genocide" and promising the start of a large-scale restoration of the road network. He emphasized that improving infrastructure is key to economic development and retaining the population in the region.

Representatives from the municipalities of Vidin, Lom, Oryahovo, Mizia, and Valchedram participated in the meeting.