Ribbons cut, problems remain on the Demircik–Bulgaria road
The Demircik–Bulgaria border section of the road connecting Greece to Bulgaria was officially opened to traffic with a ceremony, despite long-standing and unresolved problems faced by residents of Demircik village.
Although local residents stated that they are not opposed to the opening of the road, they emphasized that damages and disruptions caused during the construction process have remained unresolved for years, despite repeated promises from authorities.
Prior to the inauguration, villagers gathered at the Demircik junction and once again conveyed their grievances to Greece’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, who attended the ceremony. Residents underlined that infrastructure damage, blocked agricultural access roads, broken water pipelines, and risks to residential buildings have yet to be addressed.
Legal Action Continues
Mustafçova Municipal Council member Tahir Ömer, along with a delegation of 23 residents, has taken the matter to court, stating that they are pursuing their rights through democratic and legal means.
The hearing concerning precautionary measures against responsible authorities is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, at the İskeçe First Instance Court.
Meanwhile, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis announced that he would provide written guarantees to the plaintiffs on the day of the trial, committing to immediate actions to resolve the outstanding issues.
Lawyer: “We Were Forced to Seek Legal Remedies”
Attorney Muzaffer Kabza, representing the villagers, stated that legal action was a last resort:
“We did not want to reach this point or take the matter to court. However, this became our only option because we believe our struggle is justified. Since the beginning of the road construction, we have been given promises, but unfortunately, none of them have materialized. We do not wish to fight anyone legally; we simply want the problems to be resolved.”
Minister Dimas: “The Project Is Ongoing”
Minister Christos Dimas responded by assuring residents that the project is still progressing:
“We are currently shaping the project. Our Administrative Secretary has already visited the area and briefed me. Our goal is to extend the road all the way to İskeçe. Some sections are already in the tender phase. Citizens should rest assured—necessary steps will be taken.”
Diplomatic Contacts at the Border
At the Greek–Bulgarian border, Minister Dimas met with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, as well as Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev. The meeting highlighted the successful cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure and transportation projects.
“The Most Challenging Technical Section Is Complete”
Minister Dimas noted that the most technically demanding section of the İskeçe–Bulgarian border road has now been completed:
“Today, we are opening the 8-kilometer stretch from Demircik to the Greek–Bulgarian border. This was one of the most challenging technical phases. Traffic safety in the mountainous region has significantly improved, and heavy vehicle traffic has been diverted away from residential areas via the eastern bypass of Demircik, enhancing local quality of life.”
He also emphasized that following the Trilateral Cooperation Memorandum signed in December 2025, joint projects with Bulgaria and Romania are yielding concrete results, and the vertical axis connecting the Egnatia Motorway to the border is now functionally complete.
Local Authorities Express Support
Regional Governor Topsidis described the project as a strategic investment offering new economic and social development opportunities for İskeçe and the wider region. He also announced an additional €6.1 million in funding under the 2021–2027 program to improve mountainous road networks.
Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt stated that the road’s opening will end the isolation of mountainous settlements and create new opportunities for trade and tourism, adding that the municipality is ready to take all necessary steps to resolve local issues.
Residents Voice Safety Concerns
Despite the opening, residents remain concerned about increased traffic volume and safety risks—particularly on the Demircik–Elmalı road, which is narrow and poorly maintained.
Speaking to Millet News, a local resident identified as A.Ş. said:
“We are not against the road itself. However, Demircik residents have suffered damages—some houses are at risk, water pipelines were destroyed, and agricultural roads were blocked. Shepherds cannot even reach their animals. We have been waiting for solutions for eight years. Moreover, the road has now become international, with hundreds of vehicles expected to pass through, including directly through Elmalı village. Without urgent safety measures, we fear an increase in traffic accidents and potential loss of life.”
Religious Ceremony at Tunnel Entrance
The opening ceremony concluded with a religious service conducted by priests at the tunnel entrance, followed by the symbolic ribbon-cutting by Minister Dimas and accompanying officials.
