Rudozem–Xanthi Border Crossing Opens: Bulgaria and Greece Complete Landmark 30-Year Infrastructure Project

On January 20, 2026, the official inauguration of the Rudozem–Xanthi border crossing, colloquially known as the Aegean Pass, took place, marking a historic milestone in Balkan infrastructure. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of nearly thirty years of anticipation and diplomatic coordination between the neighboring nations. By establishing a direct link between Bulgaria’s Smolyan province and the Greek region of Xanthi, the project has successfully closed a critical gap in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The opening is not merely a local improvement but a strategic enhancement of the continent's southern transport corridors, promising to reshape the movement of people and goods across the Rhodope mountain range.

The journey toward this opening was characterized by significant logistical challenges and asymmetrical progress between the two countries. While the Bulgarian infrastructure was completed and ready for service several years ago, the project faced prolonged delays due to the complex construction requirements of the final road segment on the Greek side. This new corridor stands as one of three essential passages connecting the rugged Rhodope Mountains to the sun-drenched Aegean coast. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it provides a streamlined route from Bulgaria’s high-altitude ski resorts, most notably Pamporovo, to the bustling coastal economic and tourism centers of Kavala and Xanthi in Northern Greece.

Local stakeholders and administrative leaders are optimistic about the regional transformation this crossing will trigger. Rudozem Mayor Nedko Kulevski has voiced high expectations for a substantial economic upswing throughout the Rhodope region, predicting that the increased accessibility will attract new capital investments and breathe new life into cross-border trade. Furthermore, the timing of the opening is significant; following Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, the Aegean Pass primarily facilitates physical road connectivity rather than serving as a traditional border control point. While passport-free travel is the standard, border security agencies still retain the legal authority to perform selective, non-systemic checks to ensure regional safety.

In its current initial phase, the Aegean Pass is optimized for light traffic, specifically catering to passenger vehicles and light commercial vans with a gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tons. The infrastructure is not yet prepared for heavy-duty logistics; full readiness for large-scale freight and heavy truck traffic is scheduled for 2028. This future expansion depends on the completion of a final 10-kilometer stretch of road, a project funded under the CrossBo2 initiative with a comprehensive budget of 22 million euros. Upon its total completion, the Xanthi – Rudozem – Smolyan – Plovdiv road axis will become a fully functional component of the TEN-T Comprehensive Network, significantly reducing transit times for international logistics.

Reflecting on the project's history reveals a complex narrative of international cooperation and bureaucratic hurdles. Although the foundational agreement for the crossing was established as far back as December 1995, the project was frequently stalled by legal appeals and contractor failures on the Greek side of the border. Conversely, construction on the Bulgarian side saw a major resurgence in January 2020. An investment of 17 million BGN, which equates to roughly 8.7 million euros, allowed for the successful delivery of the Bulgarian border control facility in 2023. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place in late 2025 with the completion of the road section extending from Dimario to the Bulgarian frontier, setting the stage for the January 2026 opening.

The official ceremony held on January 20, 2026, was a high-profile diplomatic event, drawing senior representatives from both governments. The Bulgarian delegation was led by Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadzhov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgi Georgiev, while the Greek side was represented by Minister of Transport Christos Dimas and Christodoulos Topsidis, the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The presence of these high-ranking officials underscores the project's role as a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Beyond its technical and economic functions, the new crossing is heralded as a vital conduit for strengthening social cohesion, facilitating interpersonal contacts, and promoting a richer cultural exchange between the citizens of Bulgaria and Greece.