Scientific paper ID 1440 : 2017/3

The geopolitical and geoeconomic aspects of the new transport and economic corridors in Eurasia are studied in the current publication. At the same time their impact on the development of the Republic of Bulgaria and its future coverage by these corridors is evaluated. In 2017, after a Belt and Road Initiative second summit, the institutionalization of the Chinese largest project was prolonged. This was done in the frame of long-term energy and commercial projects and long-term debates in Europe. The main purpose of this large project is to expand Chinese economic impact on Europe.

The geostrategic and political opportunities for Bulgaria as a result of this project should be studied. These opportunities should be also realized in the context of many energy and commercial EU projects, concerning the diversification, anti-monopoly policy and etc. From political point of view, the EU has not introduced an official policy about the mega project. The North and Central Trans-Eurasia economic corridors, as well as the South Caucasus transport corridor that links the Black Sea, China, Azerbaijan and Georgia are of interest for the EU and Bulgaria.

The answer to the main question whether the transport corridors that reach Azerbaijan and Georgia could reach the Bulgarian territory by sea as well, leads to reconsideration of the main priorities of the country, taking into account the contemporary political environment. If such a scenario could be realised in the long run, then such an opportunity should not be missed.