BiH will implement a visa capacity building project with the support of Sweden, harmonization with the EU

 Delegations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Sweden signed an Agreement on the construction of visa capacity in BiH on Wednesday, along with a Joint Statement at a meeting in Sarajevo. Based on the Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the Kingdom of Sweden, will implement a visa capacity building project to help align the country’s visa process with the legal acquis of the European Union, i.e., Schengen.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković emphasized that this is an important topic and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs faces two significant challenges – fulfilling the obligations of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and aligning BiH’s positions on crucially important EU issues, particularly emphasizing the alignment of visa policies.

– I think we are the second country in the region, and only North Macedonia has better results, if it can be measured that way, and that there are still five countries that have not yet aligned their visa regimes with the European Union. At the same time, we are taking care not to harm our economic interests because a large number of tourists come to BiH precisely from countries that are subject to such types of visa introduction, so we had interventions from Bahrain, Oman, and some others that slightly disrupted our tourist segment; but due to the obligation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement – the alignment of visa policies, Bosnia and Herzegovina has to do it – said Konaković.

The other major challenge is illegal migration, which affects the security system of BiH and economically, so that part is very important due to the conditions of the European Union and primarily for the security of BiH citizens and the BiH economy, he added.

– In both processes, today’s agreement is very significant as it allows us to more easily, technically functionally, quickly, and securely conduct checks, establish the identity of potential tourists or for other reasons of migration – said Konaković.

Minister Nešić said that BiH, in these tasks, thanks to police agencies, has already shown and proven that it belongs to the European Union, and that the migration crisis proves that Europe can be only one and indivisible, that there are unnatural divisions between full members and those who are not.

– Bosnia and Herzegovina, and above all, our police officers, can stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues from the European Union, in some situations even significantly better. In this regard, I am proud to announce the adoption of a new state strategy for managing migrations and borders, aligned with the legal acquis of the European Union. This strategic document not only shows our commitment to European values but also concretely defines the path we will take in the future – added Nešić.

As the minister pointed out, the planned project envisages long-term cooperation and dialogue with the European Union on issues related to visas, which will further strengthen national capacities for managing migrations and borders.

Swedish Ambassador to BiH Helena Lagerlof stated that today’s event signifies an important day in the overall cooperation between the two countries and is a natural step in the existing connection. The Swedish government supports the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this project deepens mutual cooperation in migration management issues. (19.6.)