Inaugural meeting
The Kick Off Meeting was held between the partners involved in the cross -border work, with the acronym “We Cross Borders”, in which the Decentralized Macedonian Administration of Thrace participates as a head of partner.
The meeting took place on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at the Paryfa Hotel in Goumenissa, PE. Kilkis.
The project aims to improve customs services, citizens and businesses of the two neighboring countries and the European Union in general, and is expected to contribute decisively to enhancing economic growth, which will result from increasing tourist flows between the two countries.
This cooperation has been included and co -financed by the IPA CBC CCI 2014 TC 16 I5CB 009, with partners, the Regional Development Fund for Central Macedonia, the Customs Department and the Ministry of the Interior of Northern Macedonia.
The total budget of the project amounts to EUR 1,216,567.50, with the participation of the Head of Partner (Decentralized Administration of Macedonia Thrace) in the amount of EUR 711,714.40. The project will last 24 months and actions will be carried out on the modernization and improvement of the two countries’ border stations infrastructures.
Specifically, with an epigraphic reference such as signs, supervision & control, traffic screens, etc. Services, security and border protection.
Improving the level of customs services offered at the Evzones and Bogorodica transit points are expected to bring a number of benefits, such as the fastest service of passers -by, tourism security, reducing congestion and minimizing product promotion time.
In addition, an increase in cross -border mobility of individuals and goods, prevention of drug smuggling and illegal immigration.
Modernization of border stations will improve the working conditions of customs staff and stimulate the sense of security of residents in the border area.
Finally, the cooperation of Greece – Northern Macedonia is projected to provide more effective supervision and protection of the external borders of the European Union.