The Supreme Administrative Court decided that the concession of Trakia highway should be carried out as previously approved.

The court rejected the grievance of deputy chief prosecutor Mitio Markov that the already approved concessionaire did not meet tender criteria, Darik Radio reported.

This court decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Grievances were based on the fact that a consortium of Bulgarian and Portuguese companies was selected as concessionaire without a public tender.

The Supreme Administrative Court said that according to law the Cabinet could offer concession without public tender, if some conditions were met.

According to the court, the objection of the Supreme Prosecution of Cassation, concerning the economic unsoundness of the deal, was not within the authorities of the legal institution.

Regional Development Minister Assen Gagauzov said that another concessionaire could be sought. Changes to the already approved concession agreement were also possible, Gagauzov said.

Bulgaria would demand a lower construction price, as well as guarantees over the execution of the project, Gagauzov said.