Croatia strengthens border security with Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interior Minister Davor Božinović met with his Bavarian counterpart, Joachim Herrmann, on Monday, visiting the Cetingrad border police station to discuss cooperation and security.

Croatia plays a strategic role in the European Union, as its border with Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the bloc’s longest external borders.

“This year, we have recorded a significant decrease of around 52% in illegal border crossings,” Božinović said. “Such progress reflects a high level of operational efficiency and coordination. We maintain full coverage along our borders and continuously enhance our readiness through training and investment in modern equipment.”

Herrmann praised the Croatian police for their professionalism. “I was pleased to see the cutting-edge equipment, high level of border surveillance, and comprehensive approach to combating illegal migration, drug trafficking, and weapons smuggling. I am deeply impressed by the professionalism and effectiveness of the Croatian police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, visited Sarajevo, calling on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement key reforms needed for further EU integration and eventual full membership.

“We have tried to convince the authorities that this is their country and they must make their own decisions,” Kallas said. “Thirty years have passed, and the state must start functioning without real interference from the international community. But this is not possible if decisions are not made. Bosnia and Herzegovina must implement reforms to progress on the European path.”