Peljesac Bridge construction strategic for Croatia, PM says

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Monday the construction of Peljesac Bridge was continuing, that it was a strategic project for Croatia, the biggest single project financed with EU funds and that it was expected to be completed by 2020 or 2021.

"Not only is the Peljesac Bridge construction project continuing, we have also secured EUR 357 million (for it)," he told reporters in Jelsa on Hvar island regarding Bosnian Presidency member Bakir Izetbegovic's statement that Croatia must not build the bridge before the sea border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina was defined and before BiH secured the right to undisturbed access to the high sea.

Plenkovic reiterated that he pushed for dialogue with all neighbours, including BiH, and that the construction of Peljesac Bridge was discussed at a joint session of the Croatian and BiH governments in July.

"If anything needs to be clarified, we will clarify everything to our neighbours. However, the technical characteristics of the bridge are such that they enable innocent passage for all types of vessels which might head towards the sea," Plenkovic said.

Asked if he anticipated an international dispute concerning the bridge, he said he did not. "I expect Peljesac Bridge to be built within the project of connecting the south of Dalmatia and the rest of Croatia. That's a strategic project for Croatia and the biggest single project financed with European Union funds, and I hope we will realise it by 2020 or 2021."

The PM was in Jelsa to attend a session of the municipal council on the occasion of Town Day.

Text: Hina

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