- by croatiaweek
- June 8, 2026
-
in
News
(Photo: Vlada Republike Hrvatske)
Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have signed a new border crossings agreement aimed at improving transport connections, facilitating trade and strengthening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto signed the agreement during a meeting in Sarajevo on Monday.
Speaking to the media after the signing, Plenković described the agreement as a significant step forward that will make the movement of people and goods between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina easier and more efficient.
One of the key changes is the expansion of the number of highest-category border crossings. Until now, only two crossings held this status, but the new agreement increases the number to five, with six operating during a transitional period.
Once construction of the new Gornji Varoš–Gradiška border crossing is completed, the crossing at Stara Gradiška will move to a lower category.
Plenković highlighted several strategically important crossings, including Svilaj–Donji Svilaj on the Pan-European Corridor Vc, Kamensko towards Split-Dalmatia County, Ličko Petrovo Selo–Izačić, and the newly opened Gornji Varoš–Gradiška crossing.
The agreement also increases the number of international road border crossings for passenger and freight traffic from 14 to 17. In addition, there will be 20 crossings designated for international passenger traffic and 10 local border crossings, alongside five existing railway border crossings.
The two leaders also confirmed that the current temporary operational regime at the new Gradiška crossing will continue, addressing concerns regarding its status and future functioning.
(Photo: Vlada Republike Hrvatske)
Plenković said the agreement complements Croatia’s updated Foreigners Act, which has simplified the process for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to obtain long-term visas.
He noted that the measure should also help ease challenges created by the introduction of the Entry/Exit System, which has slowed border procedures in some cases.
The Croatian prime minister added that the agreement is expected to support further growth in bilateral trade. Trade exchange between the two countries reached €4 billion in 2025, while around 650,000 visitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina travelled to Croatia during the year.
Plenković also pointed to the growing level of cross-border investment, noting that Croatian companies continue to invest significantly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while investment by Bosnian and Herzegovinian companies in Croatia is also increasing.
The agreement reflects the close economic and transport links between the two countries and is expected to further strengthen the flow of trade, tourism and investment across the shared border.
