Forum on the Effects of Croatia's Entry into Schengen: Urgently Equip Additional Border Crossings with Controls for All Types of Goods

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Foreign Trade Chamber (VTK) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK), organized an economic-dialogue forum on the topic "Effects of the Republic of Croatia's entry into Schengen from the perspective of economic cooperation between the EU/HR and BiH" with the aim of providing assistance and support to BiH businessmen in adapting to the newly created business conditions caused by Croatia's entry into Schengen.

It was concluded that it is necessary to urgently equip the Svilaj border crossing, and possibly Izačić, with controls for all types of goods, extend the working hours of the phytosanitary inspection of the Republic of Croatia during the season, extend the stay of drivers beyond 90 days in the Schengen zone, accelerate the introduction of electronic signatures, and more.

The conclusions will be forwarded to the competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to relevant institutions in the Republic of Croatia.

Deputy President of the VTK BiH Vjekoslav Vuković said that the analysis of data from 15 border crossings for international road traffic of passengers and goods clearly shows that the existing solutions require urgent redefinition and a more responsible approach to this growing problem.

- It is necessary, without delay, in cooperation with the competent authorities of the Republic of Croatia, and the bodies and institutions of the European Union, before the ETIAS system comes into effect, to make certain changes.

The issues of BIPs and driver stays must be resolved urgently. Currently there are two crossings, and we insist on getting at least one more, a third.

At the same time, the permitted stay of drivers in the Schengen zone is 90 days in any 180-day period, the same as for any BiH citizen.

The Chamber has submitted an initiative to exempt professional drivers from this restriction and give them the status that train drivers, flight crew, ship operators, etc., have in the Schengen area - Vuković emphasized.

Vice President of HGK for Agriculture and Tourism Dragan Kovačević expressed satisfaction with the increase in foreign trade exchange between the two countries, as an increase of more than fifty percent was recorded in both exports and imports.

- That is why it is important to ensure smooth and fast border crossings, which requires cooperation of all relevant economic institutions, especially chambers of commerce, to inform companies and mediate with relevant institutions responsible for border crossings - said Kovačević.

The VTK BiH initiated the resolution of the problem of long delays and stoppages at border crossings with Croatia back in July 2022, submitting an initiative to open at least one more BIP and extend the working hours of phytosanitary inspectors during the season, as well as extend the possibility of stay for professional drivers in the Schengen area.

The forum in Sarajevo was attended by representatives of customs, border police, the state inspectorate which includes veterinary and phytosanitary services, as well as representatives of companies and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.