Herzegovina Bridge Inaugurated: New Landmark Boosts Connectivity and Economic Integration in the Balkans

Herzegovina Bridge Inaugurated: New Landmark Boosts Connectivity and Economic Integration in the Balkans

(IN BRIEF) The Herzegovina Bridge, a significant infrastructure project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was inaugurated on September 5, 2024. Spanning nearly 1 kilometer across the Neretva River, this new bridge, part of the Corridor Vc route, aims to enhance connectivity, safety, and economic relations in the region. The project received substantial funding, including a €5 million EU grant and a €105 million loan from EIB Global. It features a towering structure with four highway lanes and is expected to facilitate trade and travel between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU. The project symbolizes both regional integration and the strengthening of economic ties with the European Union.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 5-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a landmark event for the Balkans, the Herzegovina Bridge has been officially inaugurated, marking a transformative moment in regional infrastructure. Spanning nearly 1 kilometer across the Neretva River, this state-of-the-art bridge, along with the accompanying Počitelj-Zvirovići motorway section, is set to redefine connectivity within Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.

This impressive infrastructure project is part of the Corridor Vc initiative, which aims to enhance travel efficiency, safety, and economic exchange across the region. The development has been significantly supported by a €5 million grant from the EU’s Western Balkans Investment Fund and a €105 million loan from EIB Global. These contributions underscore a robust commitment to fostering growth and integration in the Western Balkans.

EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot celebrated the completion of this pivotal project, stating, “The Herzegovina Bridge and the Počitelj-Zvirovići section are more than just construction achievements; they are catalysts for economic development and regional cohesion. This infrastructure will not only streamline trade and travel but also strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ties with the EU and its neighbors.”

The Herzegovina Bridge is a notable engineering feat, towering over 100 meters and accommodating four highway lanes within a unified structure. It stands as one of the most significant bridges in the region, symbolizing a bridge not just between geographical locations but between economic potential and reality.

Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office to Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the symbolic importance of the bridge, “This new bridge represents a tangible result of our collaborative efforts, reflecting the strong partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. It embodies the spirit of connection, enabling faster, safer travel, and fostering economic growth.”

Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić emphasized the project’s strategic importance, “The Herzegovina Bridge is a cornerstone of our journey towards European integration. It represents our commitment to advancing connectivity and economic development, paving the way for closer ties with the EU.”

Chairwoman Borjana Krišto also underscored the bridge’s significance, stating, “This bridge is a crucial link in our transport network, connecting key regions within Bosnia and Herzegovina and extending our connectivity to the EU. It will play a vital role in boosting our economy and industry.”

The inauguration of the Herzegovina Bridge highlights the continued investment in the Corridor Vc, a major Pan-European transport route extending from Budapest through the Balkans to the Adriatic Sea. This infrastructure project not only enhances regional integration but also promises to drive future economic and societal benefits for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbors.

Media Contact:

Fabian Breuer
European Investment Bank
Communication Department
f.breuer@eib.org
+352 4379 – 82200
+352 691285470
+352 4379 – 61000

SOURCE: European Investment Bank