The total value of works to be conducted over the next 15 months amounts to EUR 68 Million, of which the EU is providing 27, through its Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) the remaining EUR 41 million.

“We are now starting to rehabilitate and upgrade the second section of the regional Railway Route 10 in Kosovo which is part of the Trans-European Transport Network and connects Kosovo with the region and the rest of Europe," said Szunyog.

"This is particularly important as it contributes to Kosovo's transport connectivity which leads to economic growth and job creation, and is helping integrate Kosovo into single regional and the EU market."

The Railway Route 10 that runs from North Macedonia, over Kosovo, and into Serbia is 256 kilometres long; 148 of those are in Kosovo. The upgrade of the first section from the border with North Macedonia to Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje, 66 kilometres long, started in August 2019 and should be completed by the end of 2023, while the preparations for the upgrade of the third section from Mitrovice/a onward are ongoing.

With the new investment of EUR 27 million, the EU's direct contribution to the upgrade of railways in Kosovo reached the amount of 91 million, while the EBRD and EIB are jointly investing an equal amount.

“We are grateful to the European Union and in particular the European Commission for supporting the financing and rehabilitation of this railway line, which will bring the citizens of Kosovo even closer to the European Union. Kosovo will have a railway line that meets all the requirements of interoperability defined according to the directives of the EU. It will result in improved rail capacity for passengers and goods, and significant improvement in travel time. Just as importantly, it  will operate with reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide,” said Kurti.

The Railway Route 10 was generally in a poor condition with severe structural constraints that limited traffic speeds to 60 km/h. Its rehabilitation is the first major investment in the railway sector in Kosovo and includes the replacement of outdated switches, tracks and sleepers, and the renovation of tunnels and bridges.

Kosovo ministers of economy and environment, Artane Rizvanolli and Liburn Aliu, and Chief Executive Director of Infrakos, Uran Mulaj, also participated in the event.