Despite mounting pressure from the transport sector, authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have yet to reach a concrete agreement on key demands raised by BiH carriers, particularly concerning their operational status within the European Union. A coordinated response from the Ministry of Communications and Transport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Security has been announced, with plans for joint international outreach in the coming days. However, the looming deadline of June 1 has cast doubt on whether progress will come in time.
Carriers continue to call for full implementation of the AETR agreement, specifically the section governing the allowable number of hours drivers may spend within EU borders. Failure to act by the June 1 deadline will trigger the application of the so-called “French border blockade system”—a form of protest the carriers say is now inevitable unless urgent steps are taken.
VELIBOR PEULIĆ, coordinator for joint affairs at the “Consortium Logistics BiH,” emphasized that the blame for the stalled process will not go unnoticed:
“By June 1st, we plan to publicly name all individuals who have in any way delayed or obstructed this process. The plenum will make a final decision, and once the French model is activated, those responsible will be held accountable for their inaction.”
Even a multi-hour session of the Council of Ministers, during which this issue was discussed, failed to deliver concrete resolutions. The only clear outcome was the scheduling of a meeting on May 30 with representatives of BiH transport companies.
EDIN FORTO, Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH, stated:
“The Council of Ministers has agreed to unify the efforts of three departments. Together, we will approach EU partners with a coordinated international strategy.”
BORJANA KRIŠTO, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers, also signaled renewed efforts:
“We are committed to bringing this issue to the attention of EU institutions and regional stakeholders. I believe a solution is within reach.”
Meanwhile, in Banja Luka, representatives of transport companies met with the RS Government, where they urged the implementation of several reforms by autumn. These include fiscal relief measures, granting transport operators the status of an export sector, subsidies for the purchase of eco-friendly vehicles, and a five-year extension on tax incentives.
As June 1 approaches, pressure is mounting on all levels of government to act decisively and avoid disruptions that could have wide-reaching implications for the region’s economy and trade with the European Union, BHRT writes.
