Transport in BiH on its knees: 47,000 jobs questionable

(Patria) - The "Logistika BiH" consortium has warned that the fate of one of the most important economic branches is seriously threatened. This is a sector that employs more than 47,000 people, and which, despite numerous meetings over the past 14 months, has not received a single concrete support measure. Consortium representatives state that they will consider any further delays as the direct responsibility of the competent institutions.

Ahead of the protest scheduled for March 23, the Consortium announced that the entire system is stalled by administration and that the same scenario has been playing out for two decades – a lot of talk, few concrete actions. Although authorities at all levels have made promises, concrete progress has been lacking.

They particularly emphasize that the profession of international transport driver has become one of the most demanding and expensive in the country. Despite this, the sector has not received adequate support through the chamber system, which is why the introduction of voluntary membership fees is proposed to clearly define who truly represents the interests of the economy.

The Consortium emphasizes that a joint meeting of the highest executive authorities on transport issues has never been organized, which they consider unacceptable. They propose an urgent gathering in Posušje to openly discuss the problems.

They also point to the poor implementation of agreements with Croatia, including meetings with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the effects of which, they claim, are not visible in practice.

One of the biggest challenges is the status of drivers in the European Union. After 90 days of stay, and despite proper documentation, they face restrictions, which the Consortium sees as a serious issue of the right to work and a direct blow to the sector.

The "Logistika" Consortium presented a set of 14 measures, emphasizing that negotiations so far have not yielded concrete results. Among the priorities is the refund of part of the excise duties on fuel, following the example of EU countries, as well as the conclusion of tax agreements with the Union states due to high transport costs, which are up to 22 percent higher.

Proposed measures also include a significant reduction in road tolls, reform of the customs system without additional fees, and acceleration of border procedures. Current waiting times, which reach over 15 hours, should be reduced by as much as 75 percent, with the introduction of special lanes for faster passage.

Additionally, continuous operation of inspection services at borders, better coordination with neighboring countries, and the application of international conventions are requested to facilitate transport and reduce costs.

The Consortium also insists on regulating the status of drivers, simplifying administrative procedures, abolishing numerous levies, and introducing clear payment deadlines. The need to adapt the sector to environmental standards through subsidies and access to European funds is also emphasized.

Finally, they strongly reject ideas about importing foreign labor to replace domestic drivers, reminding that road transport accounts for more than 90 percent of goods traffic and is the foundation of the economy, Srna reports.

This is no longer a matter of the sector, but of the survival of BiH's economy. The time for promises is over, we demand the urgent implementation of measures," stated the "Logistika" Consortium.