The National Assembly ratified agreements on the development of road transport with Montenegro and the regulations for railway cross-border traffic with Greece.

The Agreement between the Governments of Bulgaria and Montenegro on the international road transportation of passengers and freight was signed on 17 June 2019. The draft Bill was submitted by the Council of Ministers. The MPs voted the Bill at second reading with 93 votes “in favour”, and no objections and abstentions.

The agreement suggests the establishment of a joint commission to discuss and resolve issues encountered in the operation of international road passenger and freight transport between the two countries.

Parliament also ratified the Agreement between the Governments of Bulgaria and Greece on the regulation of cross-border rail traffic, signed on 26 February 2020 in the city of Alexandroupolis.

The ratification was supported by the votes of 103 Members of Parliament. The Agreement regulating cross-border rail traffic shall become effective 30 days after the Contracting Parties have notified each other by diplomatic note that ratification has taken place. With its entry into force, a legal framework will be established to facilitate and accelerate the crossing of railway border posts between Bulgaria and Greece and to regulate cross-border rail traffic and related procedures for all railway enterprises having access to the current railway infrastructure.

The agreement will contribute to simplifying cross-border deliveries and reducing waiting times at border crossings.