The Sitnica-Zupci joint border crossing has officially opened, and the Customs Administration says this is an important step in improving cooperation between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in border control and international traffic.
The border crossing was built to the highest standards, allowing for faster and easier movement of goods and people, reducing waiting times, simplifying procedures, and cutting costs. This will help improve economic and tourism ties between the two countries. The Customs Administration mentions that the technology and infrastructure are aligned with European Union standards, improving border management, strengthening security, and fighting organized crime, as well as preventing illegal immigration and smuggling.
The opening ceremony was attended by Zoran Tegeltija, Director of the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivica Bošnjak, Deputy Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maja Vučinić, Acting Director of the Customs Administration of Montenegro, and Danilo Šaranović, Minister of the Interior of Montenegro.
Maja Vučinić thanked all customs and police staff, as well as everyone who participated in the project’s realization. “I am confident that the cooperation between our two countries will become even more fruitful and successful with the opening of more joint border crossings, as foreseen by the signed Agreement.
This will help us continue applying European standards and procedures in border management. As EU candidates, both countries are preparing to have our borders become the EU’s external borders one day,” said Vučinić.
The Customs Administration confirmed that the opening of this crossing is another sign of excellent cooperation, with daily information exchange and risk analysis improving border security and efficiency.
“Cooperation between the two countries will continue with the opening of more joint border crossings, further enhancing the freedom of movement and economic connectivity, while preparing both countries for future EU membership,” the statement added.
The Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro officially announced that Minister Danilo Šaranović, Deputy Minister Ivica Bošnjak, Acting Director of the Customs Administration Maja Vučinić, and Director of the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zoran Tegeltija today formally opened the Sitnica-Zupci Joint Border Crossing on the Trebinje – Herceg Novi route.
“This crossing features modern infrastructure and technology aligned with Schengen standards, and its opening is another testament to our commitment to European values,” Šaranović and Bošnjak stated during the opening.
Šaranović emphasized that this project is part of the ongoing establishment of joint border controls at four locations – two on the territory of each country. “After the Vraćenovići-Deleuša Joint Border Crossing, we are now opening the second one. I am confident that we will soon open the remaining two crossings, and the Ministry is already preparing the project documentation for the Šćepan Polje – Hum crossing,” Šaranović said. He added that establishing joint border crossings contributes to more efficient control, lower costs, greater security, faster movement of people and goods, and stronger economic cooperation.
“This crossing also plays a key role in fighting crime and aligning with Schengen standards, clearly showing our readiness to manage the EU’s external borders,” Šaranović stated.
He pointed out the significance of the crossing for local communities: “Two important tourist centers, Herceg Novi and Trebinje, are now better connected, which will help develop tourism and the economy in both cities.” Bošnjak said the joint border crossing is proof of strengthening regional and international cooperation and fulfilling the prerequisites for full EU membership.
He stressed that this project is a continuation of good regional cooperation. “Šaranović and Bošnjak agreed that the function of the joint crossing is also a very important tool in the fight against illegal immigration and cross-border crime, which are top security priorities for both countries. They also specifically thanked Acting Director of the Customs Administration Maja Vučinić and Director of the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zoran Tegeltija for their contributions to this important project,” the Ministry of the Interior stated.
Written by our correspondent A.A.
