On 18th May this year, at a conference with representatives of local and regional media, and public institutions, a start was given to the real implementation of one of the most important infrastructural projects concerning Zlatograd - "Building a communication road – Border Checkpoint 'Zlatograd', Zlatograd - Thermes - Xanthi", funded by the European territorial cooperation Greece and Bulgaria 2007 - 2013 (ETC), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and national budgets of the participant countries.
There is a good partnership between local border authorities for many years, concerning exchange activities of good practices of local governance, mediation in establishing business relationships, exchange of experience in cross-border territorial management.
With the opening of the Border Checkpoint Zlatograd-Xanthi, Zlatograd Municipality has become an entry-exit point of Bulgaria. That leads to more commitments and responsibilities for the local authorities regarding better and qualitative infrastructure.
Because of this, and concerning the organization and making the passengers’ travelling easier, and also providing safe conditions while people and cars are moving, Zlatograd Municipality commissioned a communication road combining the movement of cars from Smolyan and Kardjali towards Greece. The building of part of this road is in fact a main objective of the project. With its implementation the existing roads in the town center will be improved and ensure normal and better car traffic. There are some activities for covering part of the riverbed, parking and building two bridges, part of the road to Greece. This is the first stage of implementation of the communication route Zlatograd-Xanthi.
Photos from the conference can be seen at www.zlatex.eu.