North Macedonia builds Beljakovce–Kriva Palanka line, section 40% complete

Announced on 7 November 2025 at the signing of the tunnel agreement with Bulgaria: North Macedonia's deputy prime minister and transport minister Aleksandar Nikoloski gives October 2026 as the completion date of the second phase, Beljakovce–Kriva Palanka on Corridor 8, which is under construction; he is dissatisfied with the contractors and is looking for a solution together with the EBRD. The first phase, Kumanovo–Beljakovce, cost EUR 79 million and EUR 155 million is expected for the second; for the third phase, Kriva Palanka–border (about EUR 455 million), prequalification for contractors and construction supervision is to be published in December, plus EUR 110 million for signalling and electrification. The total budget from Kumanovo to the border is at least EUR 810 million, of which EUR 200 million is EU funding. The date is a placeholder: the article gives only the month of October 2026. (LOK Report, 11 Nov 2025) Update (7 Oct 2026): According to BTA, about 40% of the work on the 34 km section with 29 bridges had been completed by 18 Sep 2026, with 50% targeted by the end of 2026; the report gives no new completion date, so the earlier October 2026 date is outdated (BTA, 18 Sep 2026).