EBRD financed North Macedonia-Kosovo motorway link receives €30.8 million EU grant

• New section of motorway will cut congestion, improve safety and strengthen regional trade
• EBRD and EU financing to deliver 10 km of modern road infrastructure on Corridor VIII
• Project will improve transport connectivity in North Macedonia and links with Kosovo

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) are working together in North Macedonia to help build a new section of the A4 motorway connecting the capital, Skopje, with Blace on the Kosovan border – part of the strategic route linking Skopje and Pristina. They are supporting the construction of a 10 km section, helping to improve mobility and trade between North Macedonia and Kosovo and strengthen connections with EU markets.

An agreement securing a €30.8 million grant from the EU to build a 10-kilometre section of the A4 motorway linking Skopje with the Blace border crossing to Kosovo was signed today by Koce Trajanovski, General Manager of the Public Enterprise for State Roads and Fatih Türkmenoğlu, the EBRD’s Head of North Macedonia.

The EU funds complement a €167.6 million loan already provided by the EBRD and will finance construction work.

The EU is also providing €8.8 million of technical assistance to support the preparation, implementation and supervision of the project. The section of road linking Skopje and Blace is a strategic priority for North Macedonia, forming part of major European transport links such as Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Route 6 and European Route E65.

Fatih Türkmenoğlu, EBRD Head of North Macedonia, said: “This investment is an important step towards a safer, more efficient and more resilient transport network in North Macedonia. The new dual two-lane motorway will reduce travel times, support trade and improve everyday connectivity for people and businesses, while also paving the way for cleaner transport solutions.”

Michalis Rokas, Head of EU Delegation in North Macedonia stated: “Every new kilometre of modern road brings people, businesses and opportunities closer together. By investing over €40 million in this project, the European Union is helping North Macedonia unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen regional cooperation and advance on its path towards the European Union. After years of preparation, we are pleased to see this strategic investment moving forward, and we now look forward to its successful completion so that citizens and businesses can fully benefit from safer, faster and better connections across the region."

Following the successful completion of the procurement process for the main works contract, construction is expected to commence shortly. The project will stimulate economic activity, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance transport efficiency and road safety along the corridor.

The project will also advance the EBRD’s reform agenda in North Macedonia’s road sector, with a focus on sustainable connectivity, financial sustainability and climate resilience. It will also support the development of a national e-mobility strategy and an action plan to promote electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The EBRD has long supported the development of transport infrastructure in North Macedonia, helping the country to modernise its road and rail networks. Through its investments and policy engagement, the Bank is continuing to support the establishment of a modern, sustainable and well-connected transport system that complies with EU standards.