The Bulgarian side has fulfilled all commitments for the construction of the Rudozem-Xanthi border checkpoint (BCP), but its opening depends on the finalization of administrative and technical procedures on Greek territory. This was stated by Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev during parliamentary control.
He was answering a question from MP Angel Georgiev regarding the actual opening of the checkpoint after the publication in the Greek State Gazette of the commissioning of the section of the border with Bulgaria to the village of Demerdzhik, BTA specified.
The minister specified that the construction and installation activities on Bulgarian territory were completed in 2023, and the site has an act of commissioning. Bulgaria regularly raises the issue of opening the checkpoint at all bilateral meetings with Greece, including at the highest political level. Georgiev pointed out that the Greek side has demonstrated a desire to open the checkpoint in a short time, with the delay being due to the difficult terrain, construction procedures and appeals before the Greek courts.
According to the minister, the checkpoint will initially be open to light motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons, and there will be traffic organization for the sections where construction activities are ongoing. Bulgaria sent a verbal note through its embassy in Athens on October 8, 2025, requesting information on the schedule of the official opening, but there has been no response yet.
Georgiev assured that the topic remains among the priorities of the Foreign Ministry and is being monitored regularly, with the department ready to take all possible measures to guarantee the country's interests, including, if necessary, through the European Commission. He pointed out that Bulgaria has the necessary diplomatic tools to protect the right to free movement of people, goods and capital.
The minister noted that the checkpoint is strategically important for Bulgaria's transport connectivity and economic interests and that good neighborly relations with Greece must be developed on the basis of the principle of reciprocity and independence of the state. Georgiev added that upon receiving specific information about illegal obstacles on the border, the department will take timely action.
He specified that the project for the border checkpoint and the related infrastructure is partially financed under the Bulgaria-Greece Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2014-2020, with a total of 42 million euros for both countries. The road connects the “Egnatia“ motorway in Greece with the Bulgarian-Greek border and is part of the trans-European road network, providing a key link for trade and tourism flows.
Georgiev pointed out that the Greek side must finally complete the technical and administrative procedures for putting the checkpoint into operation, including the introduction of the road sections into the national road network. Bulgaria is closely monitoring the process and maintaining contact with Athens, and will continue to insist on the timely opening of the checkpoint, which is of strategic importance for the economic and transport development of the region.