Ministry of Regional Development Expropriates Properties for Completion of Highway “Europe”
The Ministry of Regional Development is expropriating properties to finalize the last section of the “Europe” highway, specifically the segment between Slivnitsa and the Sofia Ring Road, which spans 16.5 kilometers. Currently, nearly 6 kilometers are under construction, and the ministry is now securing the remaining route.
According to information from the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, a procedure has begun for the expropriation of privately owned properties for public use. These properties are primarily located in the territory of the village of Mramor. As per Decision 588 dated August 12, 2024, by the Council of Ministers, the funds required for expropriation are valued at over 15.2 million BGN, which will be allocated from the budget of the Road Infrastructure Agency.
This involves the project “Modernization of Road I-8 ‘Kalotina – p.v. Hrabarsko’ from km 45+977.45 to km 48+611.93,” which is part of the “Europe” highway, as well as a road junction at km 48+460 of the same highway, located in the territory of the village of Mramor, Sofia Municipality, Sofia Province. Additionally, it includes “Road II-18 ‘Sofia Ring Road’ from km 1+640 to km 2+800 and from km 3+700 to km 6+300, particularly the junction ‘Northern Speed Tangent’ at km 5+109,” also in the territory of Mramor, Sofia Municipality, Sofia Province.
The expropriation process for private properties is justified by the existence of approved and enforceable amendments to detailed spatial plans—parcel plans for the aforementioned projects. It is worth noting that in May of last year, the partial construction of a 6-kilometer section of the project commenced. At that time, it was clear that work on the remaining 10.5 kilometers would continue following the completion of land acquisition.
This particular section is financed by the European Union’s Cohesion Fund and the national budget through the Operational Program “Transport and Transport Infrastructure” 2014-2020. To secure funding, it is planned that at least 50% of the project is completed by the end of 2023. The construction is being carried out by the consortium “Europe-2022,” which includes “GBS Infrastructure Construction” AD, “Glavbolgarstroy International” EAD, and “Obonato Build” EOOD. The contract value is nearly 267 million BGN, including VAT.
The construction supervision has been assigned to the consortium “Europe,” comprising “Patinvest-Engineering” AD, “Stroinorm” EOOD, and “ER G Consulting” OOD. Their contract amounts to approximately 6 million BGN, including VAT.
