FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT CONNECTION BETWEEN HERZEGOVINA AND MONTENEGRO

An integrated international border crossing between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina has been opened at Zupci, near Trebinje. This is the second of four planned joint border crossings between the two countries, aimed at facilitating a faster and more efficient flow of traffic between Herzegovina and the Montenegrin coast.

PHOTO: RTV Herceg N‚ovi

The works to adapt the Zupci border crossing for the integrated crossing were financed by the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an investment of 1.8 million BAM.

According to Zoran Tegeltija, the Director of the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA), the establishment of the integrated border crossing will allow for the control of passengers and goods at one crossing point, instead of two as has been the case until now.

"What matters most to us is ensuring that the flow of people is as fast as possible, while still respecting all security measures. The improvements we have made will only make sense if passengers spend less time at the border than before," Tegeltija stated, as reported by RTV Herceg Novi.

In 2024, 1,246,000 people passed through the Zupci border crossing. Tegeltija also mentioned that the upgrading of the crossing would continue, with plans to allow for the passage of goods in the future.

"The next step is to improve the road communication to enable this," he added.

Maja Vučinić, the Acting Director of the Montenegro Customs Administration, expressed great satisfaction with the opening of the new joint border crossing, marking another milestone after 15 years since the signing of the agreement between the two countries.

"After the opening of the first joint border crossing between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Vraćenovići – Deleuša in October 2020, today we are witnessing the opening of a modern border crossing built to the highest standards. This will create conditions for faster control, simplified border checks, and smoother traffic flow, reducing waiting times and unnecessary costs. Modern border infrastructure and state-of-the-art procedures, aligned with Schengen standards, will further boost communication, increase trade exchange, and enhance the tourism offer," Vučinić stated.

Montenegrin Minister of Internal Affairs, Danilo Šaranović, highlighted that the practice of establishing joint border crossings significantly contributes to more efficient border control, reduced costs, and increased security.

"Joint border programs implemented by police officers, customs, and inspection authorities of both countries, under the 'one-stop' principle, will allow for quicker and more efficient movement of people and goods, reducing administrative barriers and boosting economic and trade exchanges. This is an important prerequisite for stronger regional economic cooperation, which is also one of the key priorities of the European Union," Šaranović said.

He further emphasized that the joint border crossing is a contribution to European commitments and standards through the concept of integrated border management.

"Today, citizens of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those from Herceg Novi and Trebinje, as well as our guests and tourists, will travel more comfortably. This will also strengthen the fight against organized crime, irregular migration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. By aligning with Schengen regulations, we are showing that we are ready to take responsibility for managing the external borders of the EU," concluded Šaranović.

The Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, described the day as significant for both Herceg Novi and Trebinje.

"We had a meeting today with representatives from both countries, discussing how to speed up the control procedures at the integrated border crossing in accordance with the law. This is a great day for Trebinje and Herceg Novi, strengthening our brotherly cooperation and facilitating faster communication between people who frequently travel between the two cities. This border crossing will certainly contribute to the further development of tourism," Katić said.

Trebinje Mayor Mirko Ćurić emphasized that the goal of the joint border crossing is to introduce a system where one side will handle all border control processes, ensuring both security and a smoother traffic flow.

"The most important thing is security, but we also aim to speed up traffic. We will continue to use every opportunity to make this integrated crossing practical," said Ćurić.

Ivica Bošnjak, the Deputy Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in successfully combating cross-border crime. He thanked the representatives of both countries for their efforts in building the crossing, highlighting that this is the second of four planned joint border crossings.

"One border crossing has already been opened at Vraćenovići-Deleuša, and others are planned for Šćepan Polje-Hum and Klobuk-Ilijino Brdo. This is proof of our excellent cooperation with Montenegro in the fight against illegal migration, human trafficking, and cross-border crime. The need for secure and controlled borders is clear to all of us. Regional cooperation is essential for the successful prevention of cross-border crime, and strengthening operational cooperation is critical for the countries in the region and beyond," Bošnjak emphasized.