EU-access bound truck drivers from Bosnia stall cargo transportations, obstruct border passages in an argument over access rights dispute
Bosnian Truck Drivers Launch Strike Demanding EU Rule Change
Thousands of truck drivers in Bosnia have halted deliveries, causing disruptions in traffic and supply chains, as they demand an exemption from a European Union (EU) rule limiting their stay in the bloc.
On Monday, approximately 6,000 drivers stopped work, affecting about 10 lorry border crossings, most on the frontier with EU member Croatia. The action, led by the truckers' association Konzorcijum logistika BiH, blocked cargo terminals at Izacic, Velika Kladusa, Kamensko, and Raca border crossings.
The current rule, in effect since 2008, limits Bosnian drivers' stay in the EU to 90 days within 180 days. The truck drivers are demanding an end to alleged discrimination against Bosnian drivers in the EU and are pushing for the rule to be either amended or for visits to be measured in hours instead of days.
The rule was established when Bosnia signed a trade and aid pact with the EU, the first formal step toward membership in the political and economic bloc. Over 90% of Bosnian goods are transported by road, making this rule particularly impactful for the country's economy.
Peulic, a representative of the truckers' association, has stated that they hope the ministries will start doing their job as of today. However, it seems that the responsible institution for negotiations regarding a possible exemption from the 90-day rule for Bosnian truck drivers is the Council of the European Union.
The EU accounted for about 64% of Bosnia's foreign trade in 2024, making it crucial for the bloc to address the truck drivers' concerns. The European Parliament has already supported a proposal for the measure, and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) has urged the member states to adopt the measure by the end of 2025.
The strike comes amidst other political tensions in Bosnia. A referendum challenging a court ruling on Dodik is scheduled to take place in Bosnia's Serb statelet on October 25. The Bosnian Serb leader Dodik has claimed that the US and EU are plotting to sideline him before he speaks to Trump.
The strike has caused significant delays at the entrances to several cities, including Sarajevo, preventing about 4,000 tonnes of goods from reaching the city. The number of truck drivers involved in the strike ranges from 15,000 to 18,000.
The ministries in Bosnia are not responsible for excise duties, customs regimes, or tolls, so it remains to be seen how they will respond to the truck drivers' demands. The situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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