Berovo, 7 October 2024 (MIA) – With an investment totaling 3.7 million euros, the Customs Administration will work on establishing of a new Border Cross Check Point Strumyani – Berovo (Klepalo). For this project, 3.1 million euros have been secured in grants from the EU IPA III Program for cross-border cooperation with Bulgaria, along with 551,548 euros in national co-financing.

Event marking the official launch of activities under the project on establishing of a new Border Cross Check Point Strumyani – Berovo (Klepalo) between Bulgaria and North Macedonia was held Monday in Berovo which was addressed by Director of the Customs Administration, Boban Nikolovski, Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski, and the head of Joint Secretariat of the Bulgaria – North Macedonia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, Toni Jakimovski.

Minister Perinski said that the program, despite the continuous political disputes between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, conveys a positive message to all stakeholders that regional cooperation and good neighborly relations can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the border region, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens, which is the main aim of the IPA program funded by the European Union.

“The launch of this long-awaited strategic project is of great significance for both our country and the entire border region. The opening of the Klepalo border crossing will significantly benefit regional connectivity, enhance and facilitate communication between the two countries, and provide direct access to the Struma highway in Bulgaria, which is an important part of the Trans-European Transport Network. Utilizing this border cross check point will not only save time but will also ease the movement of people and goods between the two countries, creating conditions for economic development in the Maleshevo region, which has all the potential for tourism development. This is yet another project funded through the IPA program, supported by the European Union, the implementation of which will contribute to strengthening cross-border cooperation in the interest of the citizens,” Perinski noted.

Customs Administration Director Boban Nikolovski said that the establishing of Klepalo border crossing, along with the reconstruction and upgrade of Deve Bair border crossing, sends a strong message that North Macedonia is firmly committed to the EU accession process, with investments aimed at improving border management at all crossings.

Today’s event, he added, is clear proof of our commitment to the EU accession process, with the establishment of new Border Cross Check Point Strumyani – Berovo, being one of the strategic projects.

Nikolovski also said that this project is expected to improve regional connectivity, increase the flow of people, enhance economic relations and strengthen trade ties.

“Our goal is faster access to the EU single market. This project, the reconstruction of Deve Bair, the video surveillance project, and the automation of the terminals clearly demonstrate our commitment to achieving strategic priorities for economic transformation, state security, and a vigorous fight against crime,” Nikolovski said.

Head of Joint Secretariat of the Bulgaria – North Macedonia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, Toni Jakimovski said that the establishment of a new Border Cross Check Point Strumyani – Berovo (Klepalo) represents an important step in strengthening cross-border cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Such projects reflect our shared vision for sustainable and integrated regional development. The Interreg program was created to encourage cross-border cooperation and support the integration of regions through concrete projects that bring long-term benefits. The construction of the new Border Cross Check Point Strumyani – Berovo is an excellent example of this goal, enabling greater mobility of people and goods, strengthening economies, and improving infrastructure on both sides of the border, he said.

The total investment for establishing the border crossing amounts to €11.1 million, with €7.7 million provided as a grant through the EU's IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Program, while the remaining funds are national co-financing from both North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Photo: MIA/Customs Administration