Skopje, 12 April 2025 (MIA) - The new one-stop-shop system at the Dolno Blace – Elez Han border crossing has been officially launched on Saturday. The system, supported by both physical and digital infrastructure, simplifies the process with just one stop and passport control. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, stated that the modernization of the border crossing brings new prospects for citizens, the economy, and the region.

Mickoski highlighted that the border, which used to be an obstacle, is now a symbol of modernity, integration, and regional maturity, with no more waiting for hours.

“Today, symbolically and practically, we are moving the border between problems and solutions, between stagnation and progress, between bureaucracy and efficiency. The one-stop-shop system allows for one stop instead of two, one wait instead of two, and one inspection instead of separate controls. For citizens, this means more time for family, work, and life. We are proving that borders don't have to be walls but can be bridges that connect people, ideas, and opportunities, fostering trust, cooperation, and economic growth, as well as the development of culture and tourism,” Mickoski noted.

He stated that today's step is more than just bilateral policy and is part of a bigger picture, one in which the entire Western Balkans is moving in the same direction toward the European Union. This common border point, he added, is not just a crossing between the two countries, but a gateway to European values of cooperation, integration, and free movement.

Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, pointed out that after a long period of effort, the commitment and focus have led to a project of great importance for both North Macedonia and Kosovo. "Joint border crossings are more than just infrastructure—they serve as new centres of cooperation and service, bringing our peoples closer together and reinforcing our good neighbourly ties," Kurti stated, adding that concept of the border crossing is proof of increased trust between the two states.

“From now on, citizens will only be checked upon entering the country, with data being exchanged in real time through a modern technological system. In 2024, over five million citizens crossed the three border points between the two countries, which highlights the connection between our people and the need for swift, unrestricted movement of both people and goods,” Kurti said.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Izet Mexhiti, emphasized that our shared call from the border crossing is - integration now.

"At this place, Blace, where 26 years ago humanity and the determination of people for freedom, the future, and unity were tested, today we begin a new history of development and progress. With the inauguration of the so-called one-stop-shop system for border management, we are marking a significant moment for improving the flow of people and goods, a major step toward the European Union," said Mexhiti.

In this regard, he added, we are making yet another significant step toward the implementation of the "Europe Without Borders" project.

"Integration is not merely a political process; it represents our vision for a future without walls and borders that divide, but with bridges that unite," stated Mexhiti further emphasizing that the Balkans deserves to be part of the European Union, not as a burden, but as an added value.

The Blace border crossing is one of the most frequented in the country, serving over 4.3 million passengers annually. It holds importance for both Macedonian and Kosovar citizens, as well as for international transit of people and goods.

Photo: screenshot, Government