The construction of an 18 million euro powerline connecting the Macedonian town of Shtip with Bulgarian Chervena mogila has been accelerated significantly.

The 400 kV powerline will span 150km and export of electricity from Bulgaria to Macedonia.
It is a part of both countries' programs for accession to the West European electric energy system, according to Netinfo.bg.

The foundations of the high-voltage pylons of the power transmission line are ready, according to Macedonian newspaper "Vecher."

"If the weather is good, by the end of August the foundations of the pylons in Kratovo will also be ready, and in September we will star the installation of the pylons", said Rami Ibrahimovich, manager of the construction works from "UMEL-dalekovodmontaja".

The project began a year ago in the presence of the late Macedonain prime minister Vlado Buchkovski and Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov.

Funding for its construction is expected from European bank for reconstruction and development and other EU-sources.

Currently Bulgaria exports electricity to Macedonia on two 110 kV lines which is insufficient, according to Macedonian experts. The only 400 kV powerline to the country runs between Macedonia and Greece.