Carriers protest despite bans: Demanding the right to work and warning of transport sector collapse

(Patria) - The "Logistika" consortium has announced to the competent institutions that a carriers' protest will be organized today due to restrictions on the stay of professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Schengen Agreement countries, thereby denying them the right to work.

The "Logistika" Consortium stated that there will be between 50 and 200 trucks at the border crossings tomorrow.

Carriers demand the right to unimpeded international transport, a clearly defined status for professional drivers, and an "amnesty" from all imposed entry bans for drivers from BiH.

"We pose a clear and unambiguous question – how is it possible that professional drivers from BiH are not a security threat for up to 90 days, but become one from the 91st day, even though they possess all the necessary documents, licenses, and permits," the "Logistika" Consortium stated.

From domestic institutions, they are seeking a refund of part of the excise duties on fuel, VAT refunds for international transport, and for the Indirect Taxation Authority (UIO) of BiH to implement the conclusions defined through 18 points, with the aim of establishing equality, speeding up procedures, and reducing waiting times at borders.

From the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH, carriers expect it to fulfill 17 agreed-upon points, which have already been harmonized with sector representatives, and one of the demands is fiscal relief for the sector.

The "Logistika" Consortium emphasizes that the protest will be legal and organized in compliance with the instructions of the police and border services.

All activities, as they stated, will be carried out in accordance with legal regulations governing movement and public order, and the protest will last until all demands are met.

"The protest will last until the demands are fully met. Any further ignorance of the problem means direct responsibility for the collapse of the transport sector, disruption of supply chains, and serious economic consequences for BiH," concluded the "Logistika" Consortium.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the West Herzegovina Canton banned the protest of carriers and the blocking of borders, as did the Ministry of Internal Affairs of USK, where four border crossings are located.

The Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of ZHK announced that the decisions to ban gatherings were officially delivered to the Plenum of the "Logistika BiH" Consortium.