AGREEMENT

in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and Bulgaria concerning inland transport infrastructure

A. Letter from the Community

Sir,

I have the honour to confirm that the Community, as stated during the negotiation of the Europe Agreement between the Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Bulgaria, of the other part, is fully appraised of the infrastructure and environmental problems facing Bulgaria in the transport sector and that it shall provide, as appropriate, under the financial arrangements set up by the Europe Agreement, financing for the upgrading of inland transport infrastructure, including road, rail, inland waterway and combined transport infrastructure.

I take note of the fact that Bulgaria has expressed an urgent need for financial assistance to adapt its inland transport infrastructure to the increased volume of traffic transiting its territory.

The Parties agree that they shall endeavour, initially under the terms of the existing trade and cooperation agreement, to find the means which will enable them to contribute to the upgrading of the said infrastructure, in particular to the modernization and construction of railway lines and motorways between Kulata and Sofia and between Sofia and Vidin, and to the modernization of the infrastructure of the Danube waterway and its international connections, without prejudice to the appraisal of projects in accordance with the procedures in force.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Community

B. Letter from Bulgaria

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date which reads as follows:

'I have the honour to confirm that the Community, as stated during the negotiation of the Europe Agreement between the Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Bulgaria, of the other part, is fully appraised of the infrastructure and environmental problems facing Bulgaria in the transport sector and that it shall provide, as appropriate, under the financial arrangements set up by the Europe Agreement, financing for the upgrading of inland transport infrastructure, including road, rail, inland waterway and combined transport infrastructure.

I take note of the fact that Bulgaria has expressed an urgent need for financial assistance to adapt its inland transport infrastructure to the increased volume of traffic transiting its territory.

The Parties agree that they shall endeavour, initially under the terms of the existing trade and cooperation agreement, to find the means which will enable them to contribute to the upgrading of the said infrastructure, in particular to the modernization and construction of railway lines and motorways between Kulata and Sofia and between Sofia and Vidin, and to the modernization of the infrastructure of the Danube waterway and its international connections, without prejudice to the appraisal of projects in accordance with the procedures in force.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.'

I have the honour to confirm that the Government of Bulgaria is in agreement with the contents of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of Bulgaria