Skopje, 14 July 2026 (MIA) - The State Transport Inspectorate has received 18 vehicles as part of a EUR 700.000 donation from the European Union. EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas officially handed over the donation to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski at an event Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski said the donation is significant support that will enable the Inspectorate to carry out its tasks more efficiently and cover the entire territory of the country.

“It really is a great pleasure to promote this big donation from the European Union. This really is very significant. With it, the State Transport Inspectorate is moving to a whole new level. If in the past the staff at the Inspectorate did their best to cover as much of the country’s territory as they could, after this donation they will be able to fully cover and be present at literally every point,” Nikoloski said. 

The new specially equipped vehicles, according to Nikoloski, will contribute to more efficient inspections, greater traffic safety, and better protection of road infrastructure.

“This means greater road security, faster and more efficient inspections, but also better road protection by controlling excessive truck weight, the transportation of dangerous materials, and whether buses meet all standards for the transportation of passengers,” Nikoloski said. 

According to Ambassador Rokas, the donation is proof that the EU supports the country in its efforts to prepare itself for membership in the European Union.

“With this delivery of 18 vehicles, we show that this is the best use of EU grants, and also it is proof that we support the country with better equipment and also to prepare itself to become a member of the European Union,” Rokas said. 

The country is also working on installing intelligent transport systems on Corridor X, as well as on Corridor VIII in the future, with the support of the European Union and a grant of around EUR 13 million from the European Union’s support mechanism.

Photo: MIA