The border between Romania and Serbia is a hub of daily activity where thousands of people travel, work, and return home. To ensure smooth border crossings, modern, energy-efficient infrastructure adapted to current demands is essential.
This reality drives the project ‘Greener and Smarter Romanian-Serbian Border Crossing Points’ (SMART BORDERS, RORS00340), co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA Romania-Serbia Programme. It is led by the Territorial Inspectorate for Border Police Timișoara, alongside the Republic Directorate for Property of the Republic of Serbia and Politehnica University of Timișoara.
The project introduces a joint approach to modernising border infrastructure across both countries. Investments will boost energy efficiency, lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve conditions for both staff and travellers.
- In Romania: The project will upgrade the Jimbolia and Moravița border crossings. Politehnica University Timișoara will also launch a mobile research and testing laboratory to conduct technical measurements, contributing to a joint guide on public infrastructure energy efficiency.
- In Serbia: Works will target seven border crossings: Nakovo, Jaša Tomić, Kaluđerovo, Vatin, Đerdap, Vrbica, and Srpska Crnja.
Beyond these nine locations, the SMART BORDERS project provides a blueprint for future investments in sustainable public infrastructure, demonstrating the value of cross-border institutional cooperation.
On 22 July 2026, the Territorial Inspectorate for Border Police Timișoara hosted the official launch event, bringing together specialists and partners from both nations.
Key speakers highlighting the importance of joint solutions to shared challenges included:
- Silvia DAVIDOIU, Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Serbia
- Ivana JAKŠIĆ MATOVIĆ, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Timișoara
- Alexandru-Adrian IOVESCU, Vice-President of the Timiș County Council
- Liliana ONEȚ, Deputy Prefect of Timiș County
- Adriana TOKAR, Project Coordinator (Politehnica University Timișoara)
- Milan SAVIĆ, Project Coordinator (Property Directorate of Serbia)
- Daniel BOICU, Deputy Director of the Non-reimbursable External Funds Directorate (Ministry of Internal Affairs)
The SMART BORDERS project has a total budget of €3,913,752.52, with 85% (€3,326,689.63) co-financed by the EU and €587,062.89 contributed by project partners. The implementation period runs for 24 months, from April 2026 to April 2028.
You may find more information regarding the event here: https://www.politiadefrontiera.ro/ro/timisoara/i-puncte-de-trecere-a-frontierei-romanosarbe-mai-verzi-si-mai-inteligente-44198.html
