Premier Andrej Plenković has addressed the severe traffic congestion on the southern border of Croatia, attributing the situation primarily to large numbers of Albanian citizens traveling through the country during the summer season. Speaking after attending the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel in Imotski, Plenković noted that the bottleneck at the border crossing near Karasovići was caused by a surge of tourists heading toward the Adriatic coast. He emphasized that while the new Entry/Exit system has somewhat alleviated the issue, the volume of travelers, many of whom are Albanians working or living in Western Europe, has created a significant challenge. The congestion has led to multi-hour waits at the border, with some reports indicating delays exceeding ten hours. The situation has raised concerns among local authorities and residents, who fear that the conditions could mirror those seen in Ceuta, a Spanish-controlled area on the African continent, where thousands of migrants have been intercepted and returned to Morocco. According to recent data, over 48,000 individuals were repatriated from Ceuta back to Morocco last Friday alone, following an agreement between Spain and Morocco. The number of casualties attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Spanish territory has reached 67 this week. Plenković acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure, particularly the completion of the fast road connecting Dubrovnik to Čilip, which would help ease the flow of traffic towards the border with Montenegro. However, he also pointed out that the new digital entry system, designed to streamline border controls, has inadvertently contributed to delays due to its complexity and the high volume of users. Despite these challenges, the premier urged patience, stating that the situation should normalize once the weekend passes. In addition to addressing the immediate traffic crisis, Plenković highlighted Croatia’s commitment to protecting its borders and maintaining its role within the Schengen Area. He cited the successful repatriation efforts in Ceuta as evidence of Croatia's responsibility and vigilance. “We must ensure that all possible aspects of illegal migration are prevented,” he said, emphasizing the importance of systematic control measures. These include integrating all entries into a unified computer system, which, although effective in preventing unauthorized crossings, can sometimes lead to temporary bottlenecks during peak travel seasons. Croatia, along with 21 other European Union member states, has sent a letter to the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission expressing concern over the mass influx of migrants into Ceuta. This move reflects growing unease among EU leaders regarding the potential for similar situations to occur elsewhere in the bloc. While the scale of the current crisis in Ceuta is unprecedented, officials warn that without coordinated action, such incidents could become more frequent. Italy, too, has responded to the situation, announcing plans to suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain for a month as a response to the massive border crossings. Italian officials argue that this measure is necessary to address the security risks posed by the influx of migrants. However, analysts suggest that Italy’s stance aligns with the broader political agenda of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her party, which has long advocated for stricter immigration policies. Meanwhile, local authorities in Konavle, the region affected by the traffic buildup, have taken emergency steps to manage the crisis. The head of the municipality, Božo Lasić, has activated the Civil Protection Center to assist stranded drivers. Local taxi drivers describe the situation as chaotic, with vehicles stuck in long lines, temperatures inside cars reaching 50 degrees Celsius, and passengers suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. Some drivers have expressed frustration over the lack of alternatives, noting that routes through Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina, though longer, are available and often less congested. Tonči Peović, former director of Dubrovnik Airport, criticized the failure to fully implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) in a manner that ensures smooth and safe passage for travelers. He argued that the current setup leaves many EU citizens waiting unnecessarily in long queues, despite the availability of resources to improve the process. Peović called for additional lanes, better facilities, and regular rest areas along the route to prevent further strain on both travelers and local communities. As the situation continues to evolve, the Croatian government faces mounting pressure to find a sustainable solution to the border congestion. With the summer season still underway, the challenge of managing the influx of visitors, and ensuring their safety, remains a pressing priority. The government has already begun discussions on how best to balance tourism with border security, but time will tell whether these efforts will prove sufficient to prevent another repeat of the Ceuta crisis. For now, the focus remains on keeping the roads open and the public informed.
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