NEW BORDER CROSSING IN GRADIŠKA SIGNIFICANT, ESPECIALLY FOR DIASPORA

BANJA LUKA, MAY 20 /SRNA/ – Head of the Republika Srpska Representative Office in Austria Mladen Filipović told SRNA that the opening of the new Gradiška border crossing represents one of the most important infrastructure projects for Republika Srpska, BiH, and the entire region in recent years, as it will enable more comfortable and safer travel.

Filipović stressed that the project is of great importance for the economy, transport, and regional connectivity, but especially for the diaspora across Europe. "For a large number of citizens living and working in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries, Gradiška is the main connection with their homeland, thus the new crossing will significantly reduce crowds and waiting times, speed up the flow of people and goods, and enable more comfortable and safer travel," Filipović said. He noted that every improvement in infrastructure and better connectivity with the EU is of great importance for the further development of Republika Srpska, as well as BiH. "Our diaspora is an important economic and social pillar of Republika Srpska and the entire BiH through investments, business cooperation, and support to local communities," Filipović said. Filipović pointed out that such projects confirm how important investments in modern infrastructure are for economic development, strengthening regional cooperation, and better connectivity among people. The new bridge, which was opened yesterday, will be used during the suspension of traffic at the existing Gradiška border crossing, caused by the collapse of part of a protective fence and pedestrian walkway on the old bridge over the Sava River. The newly built border crossing and bridge, connecting BiH with the EU /Croatia/ on the country’s busiest route, worth EUR 100 million, had been ready for use since December last year. However, Zijad Krnjić the member of the Management Board of the Indirect Taxation Authority /ITA/ from the FBiH, repeatedly prevented its opening, allegedly for political reasons.