Regional Development and Public Works Minister Rosen Plevneliev said here that Bulgaria has joined the European Danube Strategy which will be implemented in 2014-2020.

The coordinating unit for the project in Bulgaria will be based in Rousse. Under the strategy, the communities, regions and countries along the Danube will develop jointly.

Plevneliev said that a direct benefit for the Rousse region from the strategy will be the extension of the roads connecting the city with nearby Byala and Shoumen, Northeastern Bulgaria. The roads extension will be implemented with public-private partnership and an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Concerning the much expected rehabilitation of the Danube Bridge between Bulgaria and Romania, Plevneliev said this cannot be done in the next couple of years as it may create problems for international traffic. The Minister argued that the renovation should be made after Bulgaria joins the Schengen Area.

Plevneliev ensured that efforts of the ministries of foreign affairs, transport and regional development for reducing the charges for passing via the Danube Bridge will yield results very soon. The reduction has been demanded by Bulgarian and Romanian entrepreneurs, local powers and the public.

Plevneliev recalled that about 300 million euros have been allocated in the Regional Development Operational Programme for viable transport strategies for Bulgaria's six biggest cities. Of the money, 50 million euros are for Rousse, he said.