On 19 June, EULEX’s Deputy Head of Mission, Bernd Thran, visited the newly-built common crossing point (CCP) Mutivodë/Mutivode, along with Integrated Border Management Customs Advisor, Alan Wilson, and representatives of UNOPS, who have been implementing the construction project with EU funding.

The newly-built CCP, which will considerably reduce waiting times for passengers when fully operational, has been built with all of the same high standards as the Merdare CCP, including an eco-friendly design. UNOPS will hand over the management of the CCP in the coming weeks to the Kosovo authorities.

Mr Thran said: “While this superb common crossing point will fit perfectly the needs of the citizens crossing it from both directions, it would be regrettable – and entirely avoidable – if we encounter obstacles that effectively stop this excellent project from becoming fully operational like we have seen with the Merdare CCP.”

“As we know, the summer season’s vehicle traffic into and out of Kosovo can bottleneck rapidly, with queues unnecessarily lasting many hours in the summer heat. This CCP will make an enormous difference to the lives of all citizens using it,” concluded Mr Thran.