BiH and Serbia share a growing crisis: Transport sector warns of “radical measures” if EU fails to act

The associations are calling on the governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, as well as EU institutions, to urgently intervene.

According to transport companies, the 90-day limit places severe pressure on international freight operations from both countries, creating what they describe as “systemic barriers” that threaten the survival of their businesses.

Economic impact on both countries

Nedjo Mandic, president of Serbia’s Pumedtrans, explained that until recently, transit through several EU countries did not count toward Schengen stay limits.

“Driving through Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Spain and Portugal was not considered Schengen travel.

For France, we needed one day going in and one day returning - two days total.

But to complete a transport route to Portugal and back takes 14 days. Under the current rules, those extra 12 days now count against our Schengen quota,” Mandic said.

Zijad Saric, head of the Management Board of Logistika BiH, said Bosnia and Serbia now face a shared structural problem, as the restrictions directly affect their truck drivers and, by extension, the economies of both countries.

Transport sector demands stronger Engagement from Sarajevo and Belgrade

Transport associations argue that the EU must understand that their drivers are neither tourists nor migrants, but essential workers maintaining international supply chains.

“The issue is not being taken seriously enough — not by our governments, and even less by the European Commission,” Mandic said.

“We need six months of operational time, but under the current rules we can only work for three. That simply does not meet the needs of the economy or of the transport companies that keep it running.”

Saric warned of significant disruptions if the situation continues unchecked:

“If the authorities who must solve this do not act, we expect a major collapse in March or April. It will create chaos,” he said.

Deadline set: January 15

The transport sector announced that if no resolution is adopted in Brussels by 15 January, companies in Bosnia and Serbia will introduce “more rigorous measures” — a phrase widely interpreted as possible strikes, blockades, or large-scale operational shutdowns.

The joint session concluded with a call for coordinated diplomatic engagement, as both countries depend heavily on cross-border transport for trade with the EU, their largest economic partner.