It holds the position of the gateway to the EU in the Western Balkans, through the ‘Egnatia’ Highway. Thessaloniki is the metropolitan centre which makes it a gateway to the Mediterranean. North Macedonia's landlocked geographical position necessitates access to several 'channels'. A road infrastructure across the position of Corridor 10 has been developed.

The CBC area is an important junction for the Balkans, in north-south and east-west connections, and makes it a hub for the key corridors to which the closed regions are physically or socio-economically connected. Connectivity between and within regions is an important factor ensuring the economic prosperity and cohesion of the CBC area. In alignment with the “EU Green Deal”, there is the need for sustainable transport solutions.

The cooperation in the CBC area offers benefits in addressing, among others, the following specific needs:

  • upgrading transport across borders and decreasing bottlenecks and barriers
  • creating and strengthening mobility in rural areas, as a means toward territorial cohesion and social inclusion”,

that will be addressed by “BorPres2” project.

Moreover, the project is of international importance for the two countries, because it can work as a main tool for the sustainable development in the wider area by bringing together common economic, social and environmental characteristics on both sides of the border.

More specifically, the two municipalities, Prespa and Resen, that are Project Partners in “BorPres2” project, will be assisted in their way to improve the cooperation between them in terms of development issues and communication.

  • The two regions on both sides of the border will increase their cooperation in a wider programming framework, namely the implementation of common projects in the field of rational exploitation of natural resources and the sustainable tourism.
  • Local business communities will have the opportunity to exchange products and services improving their sustainability.
  • Citizens on both sides of the border will be helped to meet each other and to visit interested views in the wider are of Prespes Lakes, while the overall tourist traffic in the area is expected to be increased.
  • At last, but not least, the two countries will have the opportunity to strengthen their communication and friendships that will lead to economic development in medium to long term.