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This is a project of the Struma route with a tunnel through the Kresna Gorge.
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The second route was in an easterly direction on the slope of Pirin
The European Commission strongly opposes the idea of the route of the Struma highway passing through the Kresna Gorge. Therefore, we return to the other two alternatives – crossing to the east on the slope of Pirin or a tunnel through the gorge. This was stated by the Minister of Environment Borislav Sandov during a hearing in the parliamentary committee.
According to him, the more suitable route, which is also more environmentally friendly, has a tunnel, although it is more expensive.
These options have been considered since 2008 and there is a positive assessment of the impact on the environment. However, the EC is demanding a new assessment, it became clear from Sandov’s words.
“At the moment we have a huge delay on the route due to unwillingness to agree with the requirement of the EC. Crossing the route along the gorge will give rise to criminal proceedings. We want to avoid them and not to invest national funds, but European ones “, said the Minister, but specified that this will probably not happen during this programming period, but in the next one.
A few days ago, however, Sandov said that the option of digging a tunnel had already been abandoned, and opted for the idea of the route passing through Pirin – this would not make the project much more expensive and would have additional benefits for local people. It is only about one lane – in the direction of Sofia. The other – to Greece, is practically the current road to the gorge, which will only be renovated without widening.
Before the commission, Sandov added that the coalition agreement stipulates an intention to dig a tunnel under Petrohan as well. A new EIA for a pre-investment study for the Montana-Sofia road will not be needed.
The latest version of the recovery plan should be sent to the EC by the end of this week, Sandov said, adding that the government will set one of the two proposed dates for closing the coal plants – 2038 and 2040. but do not specify which.
In any case, their carbon pollution will be reduced in one way or another, with the minister launching a dialogue with the headquarters, including discussing the issue with US Ambassador Hero Mustafa.
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