The Subsidy Contract for the operation of strategic importance (OSI) entitled “Prespa Lake Area border guard station: Establishment of the border crossing point between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia at the Prespa Lake Area” with the acronym BorPres2 was officially signed on February 14, 2025, heralding a historic milestone in the INTERREG VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia Programme. The signing marks the beginning of a transformative era for the Prespa region, setting the stage for a future of seamless mobility, strengthened ties and sustainable development.
The BorPres2 project, with a total budget of €7,727,272 is 80% co-financed by the European Union and aims to improve cross-border connectivity and foster economic development by establishing a new border crossing at Lemos (Greece) – Markova Noga (North Macedonia).
The project falls under Programme’s Priority Axis 2: Strategic Focus on the Prespa Area and aligns specifically with RSO3.2 which aims at developing and enhancing sustainable, climate-resilient, intelligent, and intermodal national, regional, and local mobility, including improving access to TEN-T network and cross-border mobility.
The partnership is consisted of the Region of Western Macedonia as the Lead Beneficiary, with partners including the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia, the Hellenic Ministry of Interior (Macedonia-Thrace sector) and the Municipalities of Resen and Prespes.
The project, set to be implemented over 36 months, includes the construction of a new customs and police control building in Greece and the renovation of the existing police station in North Macedonia. This new crossing will significantly reduce travel time between Lemos and Resen, from over two hours to just 40 minutes, greatly enhancing accessibility and mobility. The improved connectivity is expected to facilitate economic and cultural exchanges and boost tourism in the Prespa region. The border crossing will allow the passage of cars and passenger vehicles with a capacity of up to ten people. The passage of trucks and tourist buses will not be permitted to prevent excessive strain on the region due to high tourist traffic and to ensure the preservation of its natural and cultural environment
Beyond border infrastructure, the project will also support the creation of a unique cross-border hiking trail, connecting the villages of Agios Germanos (Greece) and Brajčino (North Macedonia) via the new border crossing. Developed by the municipalities of Resen and Prespes, the trail will pass through some of the region’s most remarkable natural and cultural landmarks, offering a unique experience for visitors and enhancing eco-tourism.
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- Photorealistic rendering of the police & customs station construction in Lemos
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- Photorealistic rendering of the renovation in the police station in Resen_1
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- Photorealistic rendering of the renovation in the police station in Resen2
Lemos/Markova Noga Border Crossing: From Vision to Strategic Planning and Development
The establishment of the Lemos/Markova Noga border crossing has been a long-standing aspiration of the Prespa community and a key element of the bilateral Prespa Agreement, signed between Greece and North Macedonia in April 2019.
The Interreg IPA CBC Greece–North Macedonia 2014-2020 Programme played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the BorPres2. In 2022, a preparatory project under the acronym “BorPres” was approved with a budget of €690,000. Its objective of was to increase the project’s maturity and ensure its readiness for the construction phase under IPA III during the 2021-2027 Programming Period.
Securing Sustainability and Efficiency: A Unified Approach to Funding and Operations for the Lemos – Markova Noga Border Crossing
A key feature of the BorPres2 project is the strategic integration of multiple funding sources to support complementary interventions and ensure the sustainability and functionality of the border crossing. The INTERREG VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia Programme 2021-2027 provides funding for essential infrastructure, including the construction of the customs and police control building in Greece and the renovation of the police station in North Macedonia. Meanwhile, the Hellenic Ministry of Interior finances the 3 km road connection linking the border crossing to Greece’s national road network. Additional funding has been secured through the EU4Prespa Programme for the construction of the customs building in North Macedonia.
Ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Lemos – Markova Noga border crossing will require a holistic approach that integrates staffing, infrastructure, technology and seamless coordination between public authorities in Greece and North Macedonia. Adequate personnel, including customs and border police officers, must be well-trained and deployed, while capacity-building joint initiatives should be established to enhance expertise and operational effectiveness. The implementation of standardized customs procedures and coordinated emergency response strategies is crucial for ensuring efficiency and security. Moreover, financial and administrative support, coupled with transparent public communication, will be key to maintaining the long-term functionality of the border crossing.
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