The Plenum of the “Logistics of BiH” Consortium announced the blocking of borders on March 12 if the problem of drivers staying in the EU is not resolved.
Representatives of the sector said that, if a concrete and operational solution to the problem of the residence of professional drivers in the European Union countries is not reached by March 10, blockades of all border crossings of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be initiated on March 12.
“This decision is not political. It is existential,” the statement said
The plenum addressed the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, entity governments, competent ministries, the chamber system and employers’ unions without delay.
They expect the relevant institutions to confirm by March 10 at the latest:
-Establishing a moratorium on the restrictive application of residence rules for cabin crew in international road transport of goods and passengers, while defining the special status of professional drivers.
-A clear and credible political response to the institutions of the European Union, with the aim of protecting domestic carriers from, as they claim, practices that put them in an unequal position in supply chains.
-Urgent and coordinated internal action of all BiH institutions towards the EU, with concrete conclusions and precise deadlines.
-Temporary financial measure, i.e. the introduction of a monthly subsidy in the range of 21 to 30 million KM, as a compensatory mechanism for losses caused by restrictions on business on the EU market, until a systemic solution is adopted.
They point out that according to the data of the sector, about 36 percent of the capacity of road transporters is already blocked, which, as they point out, directly threatens exports, budget revenues and jobs.
“When 36 percent of the capacity stops — not only the sector stops. The economy stops,” said the Consortium.
They also state that their struggle is not directed against any nation, state or religious community, but for the “dignity of work and the survival of thousands of families”, and they appeal for the understanding of citizens in the period when Islamic, Orthodox and Catholic fasts are being celebrated at the same time.
“The protest until the demands are met remains a legitimate measure. The time for responsibility is now,” the statement concludes, they write Independent newspaper.
