The tariffs on steel and aluminum the EU announced as a response to tariffs imposed by Washington could hit Bosnian producers and jeopardize 10,000 jobs in a country with the highest unemployment rate in Europe.

Bosnia’s Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Minister, Mirko Sarovic, held an urgent session with sector representatives within his Ministry to determine further steps that should be taken regarding this new problem.  

Sarovic insisted on an urgent and detailed analysis of what the development could mean for Bosnian producers, as well as what the government can do to protect its industry.  

“Having in mind that the announced measures are problematic in regard to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which states that the EU and Bosnia are obliged to respect the rules of a free market, Bosnia will inform the EU Commission and the competent EU Trade Directorate about its stance on the issue,” the Minister said. 

Throughout the next few days, Sarovic is to meet with the competent institutions of other countries in the region, which are also affected by the issue, to discuss the best action that could be taken.