Albania-Kosovo Customs and Police Services Union Soon Reality

Morina's border crossing point began operating new facilities completely transformed according to European standards.

This investment in infrastructure and technology is financing the Government of Albania and the European Union and precedes the joint border and customs point between Albania and Kosovo.

Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the rebuilt building, whose operation has accelerated the processes, causing the movement of people and goods at this point to be faster and easier.

The prime minister praised the finalisation of efforts for the joint customs point, which will be of mutual benefit to the citizens of Albania and Kosovo, the ATSH reports.

The important thing is that, after so long we are finalising this common point, so that there will be no more two sets of controls, two pairs of police etc., but there will be one point of quick, unified two customs and police representatives of the two states and the border will begin to become very fluid, very easy for all, because in those volumes of millions, it's a superload that all is done by two times and all kinds of controls are from both sides. This is a very important step forward, before we even have the implementation of the customs union, which seems to be close now, which makes the border fluid here,” the prime minister said.

Finance and Economy Minister Arben Ahmetaj said that with the completion of the project, which will continue even next year, one of the best points will be allowed, both in the border of police, whether in terms of trade.

This is an IPA investment in the building and precedes the common point between Albania and Kosovo, whether for the police share or customs we believe we will materialise in the next two months. As we begin with customs in 2019, all investment in parking. Parking today is very small and has created serious logistics indocretion. In 2019 we will remove that problem and I believe it will be one of the best border points”, Ahmetaj said.

The operation at a common point will greatly facilitate movement, as tools will be processed in a single point, meaning, with just one stop, one control.

Deputy Interior Minister Rowena Voda explained the method of functioning the common point.

“Godina will be shared. Albania's and Kosovo border police will be deployed here, and on the other hand, we have the customs of Albania and Kosovo. I believe this will also help the fact that we are preparing the joint border checkpoint and there will be joint controls, joint patrols. Actually, we have a good experience. Only during the first 9 months have 50 joint patrols been made with Kosovo border police”, Voda said.