# EU Middle Corridor connectivity initiative > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-middle-corridor-connectivity-initiative > Updated: 2026-09-16T15:05:08.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. The European Commission has announced the ‘Middle Corridor’ project, an international connectivity initiative designed to link the South Caucasus and Central Asia directly with European markets. Under the Global Gateway initiative, the project aims to attract up to 12 billion euros in public and private investments to diversify trade routes and triple trade flows by 2030, particularly as northern routes face limitations due to the war in Ukraine. To support this development, Bulgaria will host a Regional Connectivity Summit. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described Bulgaria as ‘Europe’s connectivity gateway’ and a vital factor in building links between Europe and the Black Sea region, Turkey, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova noted that developing transport, energy, and digital connections is a strategic investment in Europe’s security and competitiveness. One major project highlighted in this effort is Corridor VIII, a railway link connecting the Adriatic and Black Seas. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: Bulgaria to host regional connectivity summit to boost European security Bulgaria is set to host a Regional Connectivity Summit, positioning the nation as a key geostrategic hub for Europe’s transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-to-host-regional-connectivity-summit-to-boost-european-security ### 2026-09-16: EU announces Middle Corridor project and connectivity summit in Bulgaria EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced the ‘Middle Corridor’ project to link Central Asia and the South Caucasus to Europe, involving a connectivity summit to be hosted in Bulgaria. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-announces-middle-corridor-project-and-connectivity-summit-in-bulgaria --- Cite as: EU Middle Corridor connectivity initiative. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-middle-corridor-connectivity-initiative