Bosnia MP writes to EU Ambassador: Long waits at border crossings seen as humiliation, changes needed

"I am addressing you as the representative of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a request to engage to stop the humiliation and mistreatment of BiH citizens at EU borders caused by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) method of passenger control," it is said in the statement from the SDP Caucus in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.

In his letter, Magazinovic also emphasizes that this is not an argument against security measures, but it is clear that we live in the 21st century, where technologies are far more advanced than what people experience at border crossings, and that all of this can and must be done differently.

"Hours-long waiting at border crossings, which citizens experience as humiliation and mistreatment by the EU, sends a completely wrong message to countries that are candidates for EU membership. Therefore, it should not be surprising that many assess this as a situation worse than the introduction of a visa regime. It is difficult to illustrate the benefits of EU membership to people while such treatment exists in practice. It is hard to believe that this is not a restriction of freedom of movement or a way to discourage crossing EU borders," Magazinovic pointed out.

It is important to note that during the upcoming summer tourist season, the consequences of such a system will also be strongly felt by EU countries.

It is encouraging that some EU member states also recognize this and have similar demands regarding the abolition or adjustment of this clearly counterproductive passenger control system.

"I have discussed this topic with various parties recently, including in the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. I am pleased to say that I have encountered understanding and readiness to address this issue at the level where the decision was made. I ask the same of you and hope for your understanding. Of course, it is known that you are not the decision-maker, but you are the person representing the EU in our country, and in that context, it is logical to expect your increased engagement," the MP noted.