The European Union (EU) has provided a € 2.8 million grant for the construction of a joint border railway station between North Macedonia and Serbia. The agreement was signed in Skopje by First Deputy President of the Government and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Head of North Macedonia, Fatih Türkmenoğlu. During the signing, both parties highlighted the importance of the project for economic integration and transport modernization in the region.

This financing, provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), complements a € 5 million loan previously provided by the EBRD.

Project location and objectives

The new railway crossing will be located in Tabanovce, North Macedonia, on Corridor X rail route, a strategic route within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in the Western Balkans. Its construction aims to:

• To optimize customs processes, reducing waiting times.
• Improving rail infrastructure, including energy-efficient buildings with photovoltaic panels.
• Promote regional and commercial integration between the two countries

The construction of the station, which will begin this year, is a crucial step in the European Commission’s connectivity agenda for the Western Balkans. It is also expected to facilitate the reactivation of the passenger rail line between Skopje and Belgrade, strengthening integration and economic growth in the region.

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