Demircik – Palas highway discussed in Xanthi
A working meeting was held yesterday (April 1, Tuesday) in Xanthi, attended by Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis and Smolyan (Paşmaklı) Governor Zahari Shirakov. The main agenda focused on the completion and operation of the road connecting Demircik village in Xanthi to Palas (Rudozem) in Bulgaria.
Strategic Importance of the Project
Governor Topsidis emphasized that their goal is not only to complete the road’s construction but also to ensure its long-term operation and maintenance. He stated:
“This road is a strategic project that will bring significant economic and developmental benefits to both border regions. The Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region has completed all necessary procedures, and once the bilateral agreement is signed, we are ready to fulfill our responsibilities. Our aim is to build a safe, functional, and modern road connecting the two regions.”
€6 Million Budget for Safety Measures
The regional administration has allocated a €6 million budget to enhance the road’s safety. This budget will be used for:
✅ Construction and reinforcement of safety barriers
✅ Installation of proper road signage and lighting systems
✅ Improvement of road surfaces
✅ Completion of supporting infrastructure projects
Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation
During the meeting, officials highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region and the Smolyan Regional Administration. A proposal was made to organize a joint workshop with the participation of mayors, chambers of commerce, and relevant institutions. This workshop will facilitate discussions on tourism, trade, and cultural collaboration.
Governor Topsidis also briefed the Bulgarian delegation on the activities of the Regional Office for External Relations, which aims to guide investors interested in the region.
Additional Key Topics Discussed
📌 Management of the Arda River’s water resources and the importance of Greek-Bulgarian cooperation in this area.
📌 The lifting of the bus traffic ban at the Yanıköy (Nimfea)-Makaza border crossing, which was also brought up during the discussions.
Attendees
The meeting was also attended by:
