"Corridor 8 will definitely have an exit in Albania." At least that's what Deputy Minister of Transport Kaltrina Zekolli says, saying that UNESCO representatives are currently expected to arrive to find a solution, while warning that in the first half of 2026 they will talk about alternatives if the current route is not well planned.
"Work is being done on all segments of Corridor 8. You know that currently the Trebenisht-Qafthanë segment, even for now, in May, the Prime Minister warned that he will wait for UNESCO representatives to find a solution. The final report is in June and from now on we will see what alternative and modality we will find, but we will definitely have connectivity with Albania and Struga will definitely be connected."
Zekolli Shaqiri said that after the agreement with the Chinese for the Kicevo-Ohrid segment was concluded, they have found another solution for financing and completing the works that started many years ago. According to her, no extension of the deadline is foreseen, while the same is expected to be completed in 2026, but the Government will need an additional 3 months to obtain permission for the highway to be put into use.
"Regarding the conclusion of the agreement with the Chinese, you are informed. What I can say is that we have found a solution. It was not easy, but with the help of local banks, we have managed to secure the necessary amount so that the work does not stop or hinder its implementation. As you know, this project costs 1.2 billion euros in total. 500 million euros have already been released to the Bechtel-Enka company, over 90 million have been released for 2026 alone, so if there is a need for an addition, we will have a budget rebalance and the necessary funds will be released."
Corridor 8 remains a strategic project for North Macedonia, but its implementation is accompanied by numerous challenges. Works continue, although there are delays due to environmental and financial issues. The project has also become a subject of political clashes, with accusations and counter-accusations between the parties. Meanwhile, there are uncertainties about some segments and the implementation contract. Despite this, the authorities assure that construction will continue.
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