Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski stated that the construction of the Skopje – Blace highway is part of Macedonia's strategic vision to become a key transport crossroads in the Balkans. This important project is being implemented following the signing of a €30.8 million grant agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Although Macedonia has no direct access to the sea, Nikoloski emphasized that this infrastructure project will enable the country to become a strategically vital point through which business, trade, tourism, and economic exchange in the region will intersect. The 10.5 km section is considered a major engineering challenge, as approximately a quarter of new structures will need to be built along the route to complete the project.