EU unveils first-ever visa strategy: Potential lifeline for protesting BiH transporters

For four consecutive days, transporters from the "Logistika BiH" Consortium have maintained blockades at border crossings with EU member states. The protesters are demanding an urgent amendment to regulations that currently treat professional drivers the same as tourists. Under the existing 90/180-day rule, many drivers face deportation or entry bans after reaching their stay limit while performing essential transport duties.

Ambassador Soreca noted on X (formerly Twitter) that the new Strategy is "particularly relevant for professional drivers from BiH and the Western Balkans." The EU and its Member States intend to explore pragmatic solutions to reduce complexities for professionals who rely on high mobility across Europe. This includes the potential introduction of new legislation featuring a specific set of extended short-stay rules at the EU level.

Strategic pillars: Security and prosperity

The Strategy is built upon three pillars aimed at making Europe safer and more efficient. By 2026, a modern system for assessing visa-free status will be implemented, alongside a reformed Visa Suspension Mechanism to prevent misuse. Furthermore, the EU plans to make its IT systems interoperable by 2028, allowing for seamless database queries to prevent fraud.

Simultaneously, the Strategy seeks to boost prosperity by facilitating travel for those who contribute to the EU economy. Key initiatives include:

• Digitalization: The ETIAS system will simplify checks for visa-free travellers starting in Q4 2026.
• Trusted Travellers: Introduction of multiple-entry visas with longer validity for business travellers and verified companies.
• Talent Attraction: A new Recommendation focuses on attracting students, researchers, and innovative entrepreneurs through faster permit procedures.

The timing was vital for the "Logistika BiH" Consortium, which warned of a "complete collapse" when the strict Entry/Exit System (EES) begins in April 2026.