Skopje, 5 March 2025 (MIA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski and Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Office, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, signed Wednesday a €2.4 million investment grant agreement for project for construction of joint rail border crossing at Tabanovce. The agreement is part of a €7.6 investment package for construction of a joint rail border crossing between Macedonia and Serbia.

The project involves building a new joint facility for the border police, customs, and inspection authorities of Macedonia and Serbia, along with renovating existing facilities in Tabanovce. It also includes new road and utility infrastructure. The project is planned to be completed within two years, with contractor selection and the start of railway station construction expected this year.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development had previously approved a €5 million loan and a €250,000 grant for this project.

“It is a joint rail border crossing between Macedonia and Serbia. In this way, we will improve communication between the two countries, as we will establish ‘one-stop shop’ system in the railway sector as well, for train travel. I hope this will serve as a step forward toward reestablishing a regular passenger railway line between Skopje and Belgrade, which will require efforts from both sides. This is a project with a total value of €7.4 million for the construction phase and €250,000 for consultancy services and supervision. We believe that one of the country’s main economic lifelines is Corridor 10, which begins at the southern ports—Piraeus near Athens and the port of Thessaloniki—and extends to Central Europe, reaching countries such as Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. We expect this project to accelerate the movement of goods in both directions, facilitating imports into Europe as well as exports from Europe. This will lead to new jobs, increased economic activity, and, of course, faster transit of passengers and goods through our country, making it even more attractive,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski.

According to Türkmenoğlu, this project demonstrates EBRD’s continued support for the country’s efforts to improve its infrastructure along Railway Corridor 10.

“The goal is to optimize border-crossing procedures with a single stop, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing waiting time. Establishing a joint border crossing is a key investment in fostering regional growth and raising awareness of the benefits of strong railway connections in the Western Balkans,” Türkmenoğlu noted.

EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas who attended the agreement signing ceremony, noted that the border can be a barrier, but it can also be a gateway, an opportunity and a resource.

"The goal of the grant is to help maximize the full potential of the joint border crossing, making the movement of people and goods easier and more efficient. This will be a benefit for all of Europe. Given that both countries have demonstrated political will and a commitment to regional integration and connectivity within the EU framework, the European Commission launched this project in 2014 by establishing the connectivity platform, and today we have ensured full funding. Now, North Macedonia will benefit from improved facilities through the creation of a single rail station and a joint border crossing point. This provides direct support for the country’s efforts to enhance Corridor 10, which will also increase trade operations. In practice, this should reduce the time needed to cross the border, making rail travel more attractive, safer and greener. Until North Macedonia becomes a member of the EU, we remain committed to helping transform the border to an opportunity for development and for faster across access to the EU’s single market," Rokas said.

North Macedonia and Serbia have signed protocols between the border police, customs authorities, railway infrastructure and transport companies, the Food and Veterinary Agency, and the State Agricultural Inspectorate.

Фото: Министерство за транспорт

Видео: Влада