Bosnia strengthens readiness for upcoming EU travel systems ETIAS and EES

A high-level delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina paid a study visit last week to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Italy, with the aim of learning from Italy’s experience in preparing for the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES) — two key elements of the modernized architecture for managing the European Union’s external borders.

The visit took place at a particularly important moment, shortly after the official launch of the EES system on October 12, marking a new phase in border management and travel procedures across the entire Schengen area, CE Report quotes FENA.

The delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Mirko Kuprešaković, Director of the Border Police of BiH, consisted of members of the Working Group for Monitoring the Implementation of the Decision on the Visa-Free Regime for BiH Citizens in the EU, appointed by the Council of Ministers. The Working Group also includes senior representatives from the Ministry of Security, the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, and other key institutions.

Participants had the opportunity to meet with officials from Italy’s Ministry of the Interior and gain first-hand insight into Italy’s experience with the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and preparations for the upcoming launch of ETIAS, as well as into relevant legislative, operational, and technical aspects of border management. The visit also included field trips to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino) and the Port of Civitavecchia, providing a practical overview of the functioning of the EES system.

Through this initiative, the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina are further strengthening their readiness for the upcoming changes in travel procedures to the European Union. They are now better positioned to inform the public about new requirements and processes that will accompany visa-free travel to the EU, thereby contributing to safe, efficient, and EU-aligned migration management in the country.

Kuprešaković, the head of the delegation and Director of the Border Police of BiH, stated that the Border Police of BiH is actively participating in preparations for the implementation of the EES and ETIAS systems, in accordance with EU standards. This will contribute to more efficient border control, enhanced security, and the preservation of the visa-free regime for BiH citizens.

“The continuous exchange of experiences with EU member states such as Italy strengthens mutual trust and enables a more effective response to shared challenges in the field of border security and migration management,” said Kuprešaković.

He added that the Border Police of BiH continues to carry out operational activities aimed at preventing migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of organized cross-border crime, as well as ensuring effective migration management. He emphasized that timely information exchange, joint action, and a partnership-based approach remain key to addressing these challenges.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized the study visit as part of the project “Strengthening Capacities for Migration and Border Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded by the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy, in cooperation with the EU4FAST project.

This activity contributed to strengthening the readiness of BiH institutions for the upcoming introduction of the ETIAS and EES systems in the European Union, as well as to further alignment with European standards and practices, the IOM stated.

Foto/ IOM