Authorities in Bulgaria have approved environmental procedures for the construction of a new border crossing with North Macedonia near Strumyani–Berovo, paving the way for the long-delayed Klepalo project and its accompanying road infrastructure.
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works said its Supreme Environmental Expert Council had endorsed a route option involving a shorter alignment, reduced construction works and limited environmental impact.
The selected route complies with nature protection requirements, including safeguards for the “Kresna–Ilindentsi” zone within the Natura 2000 network, the ministry said.
The planned bilateral crossing will be located between the municipalities of Strumyani and Berovo and forms part of the Interreg IPA Bulgaria–North Macedonia programme under the priority “Connected cross-border region”.
The project is valued at 11 million euros, including national co-financing from both countries.
The Blagoevgrad regional administration is leading the project, while the Customs Administration of North Macedonia is the partner on the Macedonian side.
Bulgarian authorities said the completion of environmental procedures marked an important step towards implementation, which is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods in the border region.
The project has been under discussion for years. Bulgaria first announced plans in 2022 to link Strumyani in the Blagoevgrad region with Berovo, as part of broader efforts to enhance cross-border connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.