Sofia Metro Shows Benefits of Integrated Approach to Europe’s Territorial Development  

The Sofia metro is “an exemplary project” of transparent and effective use of EU structural funds, city mayor Yordanka Fandakova has said during visits to metro sites with Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions.

An integrated approach to territorial development by combining investments, smart connectivity and tackling climate change is the success driver for Europe, Fandakova and Markkula said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

“Building the metro system in Sofia is a perfect example of how we should develop our urban planning and renewal,” Markku Markkula said, according to the statement.

Markkula added that European funding must be seen as strategic investments, not as isolated projects.

Fandakova noted that the underground railway has secured a quick and convenient transportation solution to 350,000 commuters daily. The benefit to the environment is considerable: the metro is saving Sofia nearly two million kilometers in bus mileage and 75,000 tonnes in emissions every year.

Since 2009 to 2015 the expansion of the Sofia mobilised EUR 350 M from the EU funds and EUR160 M from the national and city's budget. The next stage will be funded with EUR 490 M from EU funds and EUR 90 M from the budgets of the city and the central government.

The European Committee of the Regions is the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives from all 28 Member States. Created in 1994, its mission is to involve regional and local authorities in the EU's decision-making process and to inform them about EU policies.

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