Regional transporters protest over Schengen rules as Bosnian Minister Forto joins demonstration in Sarajevo

Addressing the gathered crowd, Forto described the mobilization as an impressive and well-organized display reflecting a shared regional struggle. He emphasized that the authorized status of licensed commercial drivers remains identical across the entire territory, highlighting the urgent need for a unified regulatory adjustment.

Forto expressed strong expectations that the European Commission will recognize the distinct nature of the profession, distinguishing commercial logistics from migration policies. He characterized the current treatment of drivers who exceed the standard stay duration as a form of discrimination, noting that authorities mistakenly penalize workers as unauthorized immigrants despite their guaranteed return home.

According to the minister, commercial operators face no barriers to finding alternative employment directly within the union if they intended to emigrate, but the primary goal is keeping trained professionals and logistics firms anchored within local economies. Diplomatic channels and ongoing meetings with EU officials are actively pushing for a reset of accumulated days for licensed drivers until bilateral programs, such as legislative changes introduced by Croatia, take full effect.

Without swift intervention, Forto warned, the transport sector risks a complete operational collapse and widespread blockades along critical trade corridors. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina has engaged in broader business-facilitation measures, the core obstacle remains rooted in the rigid application of the Schengen Borders Code.

Officials continue to urge security and migration decision-makers in Brussels to acknowledge that nationally certified transport professionals require unimpeded access to sustain cross-border supply chains. Transporters across the region have warned that if a pragmatic solution is not delivered soon, they will escalate their actions through full-scale blockades of cargo border crossings scheduled for September 14.