The Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Employers’ Union of Republika Srpska warn that the issue of professional drivers’ stay in European Union countries is increasingly threatening the operations of domestic companies. They warn that a growing number of companies are unable to fulfill contracted deliveries to partners in the European Union, while some companies are already practically blocked due to a shortage of drivers and available transport capacities.
“We emphasize that the liquidity of companies, contractual obligations and export flows are directly at risk, as well as the stability of entire sectors that depend on international transport. Although the European Union rules regulating the stay of drivers in member states have been known to our authorities for years, the competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have clearly failed to take the necessary steps to meet the prerequisites that have been highlighted over the past two years, and particularly during the last six months, as crucial for resolving the issue of the work and stay of professional drivers in the European Union,” the associations said.
Domestic Companies Facing Increasing Difficulties in International Transport
They added that representatives of European diplomacy have clearly stated that it is unrealistic to expect any solution from the European Union until domestic authorities meet the minimum conditions required.
“In attempts to resolve these problems, employers have been directed toward bilateral solutions between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the region, which is a slow and lengthy process, while economic damage is increasing on a daily basis and requires a prompt response. Employers warn that the capacities allowed under the 90/180 rule have practically already been exhausted, which makes it increasingly difficult for domestic companies to carry out international transport. If the competent institutions fail to take concrete action to resolve this issue, 70 percent of the total foreign trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is predominantly carried out by land with European Union member states, will be at risk, which could have serious consequences for the country’s overall economy,” they said.
“No Progress Since the Last Border Blockades”
Employers emphasize that instead of focusing on business development and investments, they are forced to become actively involved in resolving this complex international issue and have almost completely taken over communication with domestic and international institutions and organizations, which should not be the role of the business sector.
“The Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Employers’ Union of Republika Srpska believe that the demands recently emphasized by the ‘Logistics BiH’ Consortium are fully justified, but warn that border blockades are not a solution and remind that every blockade of goods and services causes multimillion losses to the economy. However, since the last border blockades there has been no progress in resolving these issues, and employers are demanding that competent institutions at the state and entity levels take extraordinary measures and urgently draft a concrete action plan with clearly defined activities and deadlines, as well as actively engage in bilateral talks with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and other countries in order to find urgent solutions,” they stated.
Warning
Employers additionally warn of a deterioration in the global oil and petroleum products market, which is already leading to rising prices of goods and services. They also expressed particular concern that potential new border blockades could lead to disruptions or blockages in the transport of petroleum products, which would further complicate the situation.
“The Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Employers’ Union of Republika Srpska once again call on the competent institutions to act urgently in order to prevent serious consequences for the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and preserve the stability of foreign trade operations and the economy in general,” the statement said.
