Bosnia's transport sector on the brink: Carriers launch protests amid regulatory crisis

Protesters are calling for "amnesty" for drivers facing entry bans and a clearly defined professional status. Domestically, the sector demands the return of fuel excise duties and VAT for international transport. Representatives, including Hidajet Muratovic, highlighted that BiH carriers are the only ones in the region denied excise refunds. Consequently, they effectively subsidize state loans through fuel prices while paying full tolls both at home and across Europe.

The Ministry of Communications and Transport is expected to fulfill 17 previously agreed points, including fiscal relief. Simultaneously, the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) faces demands to implement 18 measures to accelerate border procedures and reduce wait times.

The situation remains tense as the Ministries of the Interior in West Herzegovina and Una-Sana Cantons officially banned border blockades as did the Republika Srpska entity government. Nikola Brkovic, a representative on-site at the Brod crossing, criticized the government’s decision to deploy police force against workers. He warned that ignoring these issues leads to a total collapse of the supply chain, affecting food and fuel availability.

With over 40,000 jobs at risk, the Consortium maintains that the protest will continue until all requirements are met. They emphasize that if domestic authorities fail to protect these family-owned businesses, the Bosnian economy faces an imminent collapse, as foreign carriers will not operate under the same difficult conditions or price points.