In the picturesque landscape of southern Croatia, the Peljesac Bridge stands as a stunning feat of engineering and a symbol of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe.
Opened in July 2022, the €420 million (£358 million) bridge connects the Croatian mainland with the Peljesac Peninsula, bypassing a narrow strip of land in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
But the involvement of a Chinese state-owned company in the major EU-funded project has sparked debate about China’s growing influence in the region.
BBC‘s Katya Adler, in her documentary The Balkans: Europe’s Forgotten Frontier, described the Pelješac Bridge as a significant symbol of China’s increasing presence in the Balkans, often dubbed China’s “gateway to Europe.”
Adler questioned whether Europe is “losing influence in its own backyard,” pointing out that while the EU provided the funds, it was China that gained the most visibility and operational credit for the project.
The Balkans have become a focal point for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with Beijing investing billions in infrastructure projects, including highways, railways and energy facilities across the region.
In a video at the time of the bridge opening, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said the bridge “illustrates friendly relations” between China and Croatia, as well as between China and the EU.
Meanwhile, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described “the project of the generation that has achieved such a great act of unification of Croatian territory”.
The 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) long Peljesac Bridge serves as a vital connection between two parts of Croatia that were previously separated by a short stretch of Bosnian territory near the town of Neum.
Before the bridge’s construction, travellers and goods had to cross border checks twice to reach the southern tourist hotspot of Dubrovnik from the rest of Croatia.
Now, the bridge provides seamless access, reducing travel time, enhancing trade and supporting local businesses.
The bridge is particularly significant for Croatia, which joined the European Union in 2013. The new infrastructure project not only fosters national unity but also strengthens the country’s integration into the EU by improving internal connectivity.
Local businesses, especially in tourism and agriculture, have seen substantial benefits, as goods and visitors can now travel more efficiently across the region.
The Peljesac Bridge is not only a political statement but also an engineering marvel. Spanning the sparkling waters of the Mali Ston Bay, the bridge features six pylons rising from the sea, with the highest point reaching 55 meters above the water.
The bridge’s construction required innovative solutions, including the installation of 148 steel piles driven deep into the seabed to ensure stability in an area prone to seismic activity.
The project’s success is attributed to meticulous planning, cutting-edge technology and international collaboration.
Since its opening, the Peljesac Bridge has transformed the region’s economy. Dubrovnik, known for its medieval walls and as a filming location for Game of Thrones, has seen an influx of tourists who can now reach the city more conveniently.
The bridge has also facilitated the transport of agricultural products from the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for its vineyards and seafood, to markets across Croatia and beyond.
Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and tour operators, have reported increased revenue due to the improved accessibility.
The bridge has also spurred investments in infrastructure and real estate on the peninsula, further enhancing its appeal to tourists and investors alike.