Romania, Bulgaria Mull Scrapping Danube Bridge Tolls

Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc and his Bulgarian counterpart Boiko Borisov discussed Friday in Bulgaria's capital Sofia the possibility of reducing Danube Bridge tolls to scrap them eventually.

However, the measure will be further discussed by the Romanian and Bulgarian transport ministers.

Borisov said, at the end of talks with Boc, that they touched the issue of eliminating tolls charged on vehicles passing the Danube Bridge and fixing the bridge to be safely used until the Vidin-Calafat Bridge over the Danube is ready and slated for service.

Borisov stressed Hungary boasts nine bridges over the Danube, whereas Romania and Bulgaria share only the Ruse-Giurgiu Bridge that isn't "in such a good condition".

Bulgarian MEPs last year lobbied for the elimination of tolls charged for the use of the Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge, arguing the European Union rules and the principle of free movement are breached in this case. They stressed at that time they will bring the issue before the European Court of Justice unless the problem is solved.

The Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge has been operational since 1954 and is the only bridge over the Danube River linking Romania to Bulgaria.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.