Villagers Expect Border Passes Amidst Ongoing Blockade Over EU System

Residents of Višići and Neštin have maintained a six-day blockade of the road leading to the border crossing with Croatia, protesting problems arising from the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES). They are awaiting an official agreement today that would grant them exemption passes.

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We expect today an official agreement on exemption. However, such an agreement would only be a temporary solution, given that a long-term solution requires the institutions of the Republic of Serbia to make a statement.

However, one resident explained that any such agreement would only be a temporary fix. A lasting solution, she stated, necessitates a formal declaration from the Republic of Serbia's institutions. Negotiations are reportedly underway with the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), and residents were informed that passes might be implemented starting at 5 PM.

The blockade persists, with villagers vowing to remain until the first person who attempts to cross the border returns with a written guarantee that they can pass without issue. Approximately 20 residents are prepared to be the first to present their documents and seek passage, while others will wait to see if they receive confirmation of exemption from the 90-day rule.

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The blockade of the border crossing is still ongoing, and the residents say they will stay there until the first person who tries to cross the border returns with a guarantee and a pass that they can cross without hindrance.

For seven days and nights, the residents of Neštin and Višići have been blocking the route to the Croatian border. They have been allowing passenger vehicles to pass for 15 minutes every two hours. While they have managed to contact the Croatian MUP, official confirmation from Serbian institutions is still pending. Residents hope for a period of one year during which they will be fully protected, but stress that this requires involvement from Serbian ministries and higher levels of government.

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A group of 20 of our residents will go at 5 PM and be the first to submit documents. They should receive something in writing so that we can pass without hindrance. But this is a temporary solution. For the future, our ministries, local self-government, and higher levels of government must get involved, so that we have a period of one year during which we will be completely protected.