Customs Receives Equipment and 26 Vehicles Worth €4 Million, Funded by the EU
EU-funded equipment under the IPA programme was handed over at Tabanovce to boost the fight against border crime.
The Customs Administration received new equipment and 26 specialised vehicles worth a combined €4 million, funded through the EU's IPA 2021 Action Document "EU Against Organised Crime, With Trade Support." The handover took place at the Tabanovce border crossing.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, Customs Administration director Boban Nikolovski and the EU's ambassador to the country, Mihalis Rokas.
"Customs officers are on the front line of protecting the law and the rule of law, and they have our full support," Mickoski said, adding that the government would continue backing the institution's modernisation.
Ambassador Rokas noted that the Tabanovce terminal itself was built with EU funds, and that the new equipment is a concrete result of joint work. He said the EU would launch a new campaign this autumn focused on transport and regional connectivity.
The equipment includes forensic and IT tools meant to speed up and sharpen detection of smuggling attempts and abuse of customs procedures, which the government says should directly strengthen the fight against organised crime and corruption at the border.
MKNews Hub · Economy · September 14, 2026