The European Union views cross-border cooperation as one of the most important instruments for fostering not only regional development but also unity and stability, Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union to North Macedonia, said at a cross-border conference within BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project. The conference took place at the BTA National Press Club in Skopje on Thursday.
Rokas emphasized that cross-border cooperation is not just a process in which communication is achieved but a common process in which prosperity and stability are shared for all. He added that cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia is now more important than ever.
Rokas noted that the cross-border conference signifies the commitment of the two countries to strengthen their bilateral ties and promote regional development, economic growth and cultural exchange. This cooperation is a demonstration of the lasting partnership built between the two countries and their shared vision for a stable, prosperous and European future, he said.
The Ambassador pointed out that the EU has developed bilateral cooperation frameworks with five of North Macedonia's neighbouring countries, namely Bulgaria, Kosovo, Albania, Greece and Serbia. "These partnerships are based on mutual respect, shared objectives and a commitment to finding common ground in addressing challenges," he stressed.
Rokas said that the cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia has deep roots and began even before the official institutionalization through EU funded cross-border programmes. He recalled that the first organized attempt at cross-border cooperation was made through the PHARE/CARDS Neighbourhood 2004-2006 Programme, which laid the foundations for the future development of joint initiatives between the two countries.
"In recent years, significant efforts have been made, yielding substantial results", he said, adding that 184 projects have been approved to date,178 of which are fully completed. In addition, subsidy contracts for eight new projects are expected to be signed in the coming weeks. Thanks to financial support from the EU, which has provided more than EUR 70 million in funding for the last three programming periods, numerous projects have been realized, and many challenges have been addressed, Rokas noted.
Rokas pointed out that one of the most important ongoing projects is the construction of the cross-border connection between Strumyani and Berovo, as it will provide a direct connection between Bulgaria and North Macedonia and is of utmost importance for improving the transport infrastructure and facilitating the movement of people and goods. He recalled that the project is currently in its first phase of implementation. It is worth more than EUR 11 million.
He emphasized that the EU continues to support the long-term path of North Macedonia towards European integration through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, adding that more than EUR 1.2 billion have been invested in the country.
Through the Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project, BTA aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. The project kicked off with a conference in Veliki Preslav in November 2024. Until September 2025, BTA will host discussions at its press clubs in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol. Cross-border conferences will be held in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje, and Thessaloniki. The project builds on the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
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