Police Administrations of Grude and Ljubuški Banned Carriers' Protest, Union of Employers of Republika Srpska Considers Blockades Not a Solution

(Patria) - The Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the West Herzegovina Canton announced that the Police Administrations of Grude and Ljubuški have issued Decisions prohibiting a peaceful gathering called "Third Call – Final Announcement of Operational Protests", announced for March 23, 2026, at border crossings.

The Decisions were officially delivered to the Plenum of the Consortium Logistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"From the act of the Plenum of the Consortium Logistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina itself, it is evident that holding the mentioned gathering would lead to the obstruction or hindrance of traffic, especially on main and border routes, and thus endanger the functioning of goods transport and the supply of food and basic necessities to citizens, as well as the possible endangerment of the operation of emergency services. Also, after analyzing the applications for peaceful assembly, it was determined that they do not meet the basic conditions prescribed by the Law on Peaceful Assembly of WHC", it was announced.

The Police Administration of the MUP of WHC reminds that any potential holding of protests contrary to the issued decisions is subject to legal sanctions.

Today, the Union of Employers of Republika Srpska also issued a statement, emphasizing that the blockade of borders and the carriers' protest is a direct attack on the economic stability of Republika Srpska and a threat to the normal functioning of society.

The Union of Employers believes that now is the time for a swift and decisive reaction from all competent institutions to prevent a complete paralysis of the country.

"The obligation of the authorities is clear – to ensure the passage of roads, the unimpeded work of institutions, and the normal life of citizens, by all means permitted by law", stated the Union of Employers.

The statement says that if the blockades continue, employers, together with their workers, will be forced to protect the right to work – by protesting and blocking internal traffic and institutions, until unimpeded flow of goods across the borders is ensured.

"This is no longer a matter of sectoral dissatisfaction, but of the survival of the economy and the safety of citizens", emphasized the Union of Employers.

Closed borders mean halted production, interrupted exports, and thousands of jobs put at risk.

The Employers' Association warns that the survival of companies that have been conquering the most demanding foreign markets for decades is threatened, that at least 20,000 workers in the processing industry are already suffering the consequences, and that the economy cannot breathe without open borders.

"The blockade interrupts the supply of basic foodstuffs, food, and energy to the population. No interest, however justified, gives the right to endanger people's lives, family livelihoods, and the stability of the entire economic system."

The Consortium "Logistics" has announced to the competent institutions that a carriers' protest will be organized tomorrow due to restrictions on the stay of professional drivers from BiH in the Schengen countries, which denies them the right to work, and drivers are being arrested, fined, and deported. They are dissatisfied with the attitude of the European Union, which does not want to exempt drivers from BiH from the 90/180-day rule.