Croatia among EU leaders in implementing Entry/Exit System

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović today visited border control at Split’s Sveti Jeronim Airport with European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner. During the visit, Commissioner Brunner was briefed on Croatia’s implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

Brunner was also presented with the working methods of the Croatian border police, including the registration of third-country nationals, the use of self-service EES kiosks and automated border-control gates, as well as procedures for managing heavy passenger traffic.

“I would like to thank not only all the police officers, but also the airport management, because this is an example of how the joint work of all services, together with the police, can deliver such results,” Božinović said.

Croatia began the gradual implementation of the Entry/Exit System in October last year and has operated the system in full at all 77 international border-crossing points on the EU’s external border since March 1, more than a month ahead of the EU-wide deadline.

Since implementation began, more than 2.3 million EES records have been created in Croatia, while more than 9.3 million checks and verifications of existing records have been carried out. The figures, officials said, demonstrate the advantages of modern digital border-management infrastructure.

“We are ensuring the safety of Croatian and European Union citizens, while also ensuring that our tourists, particularly those from third countries, can reach their destinations without unnecessary difficulties. Croatia is once again among the most sought-after tourist destinations this year,” Božinović said.

Commissioner Brunner stressed the importance of thorough preparation and adapting procedures to operational conditions on the ground, particularly at airports handling large numbers of passengers.

“This is truly exceptional at the European Union level when it comes to implementing the Entry/Exit System. Croatia is a frontrunner in the European Union and has been a leader from the very beginning,” Brunner said.

Božinović stressed that technological modernization must go hand in hand with effective management of the EU’s external border and migration.

He also announced further improvements to procedures at land border crossings, saying Croatia would count on the European Commission’s support in that process.

“We are showing here that security and the smooth flow of passengers can go hand in hand, rather than being conflicting requirements,” Božinović concluded.