The blockade of cargo traffic at several crossings in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) began this morning, in line with earlier announcements by the “Logistika” Consortium, which brings together carriers from BiH.
Reporters from Klix.ba, who are at the Svilaj border crossing, report a noticeable presence of a large number of freight vehicles stretching about a kilometer and a half.
Trucks are parked along the roadway, and the transport of goods has been suspended, while passenger traffic is for now proceeding without delays.
According to information from the organizers, between 50 and 200 trucks are expected at border crossings across the country, but information is still being collected on which crossings will be affected by the blockade.
As stated, in the immediate vicinity of the Svilaj border crossing, further concrete steps that demonstrators will take in the context of the blockades should be known within the next two hours.
Carriers emphasize that they are forced into such a move due to discriminatory rules that limit their stay in the Schengen area to 90 days, after which they face entry bans, even though they possess all the necessary permits and licenses for work, and do not reside in the European Union (EU) but are only in transit.
In addition to changes to the rules of stay in EU countries, carriers are also demanding concrete economic measures from domestic institutions, including the refund of part of excise duties on fuel and VAT for international transport, as well as the implementation of previously agreed conclusions aimed at speeding up procedures and reducing waiting times at borders.
From the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH, they expect the fulfillment of 17 previously agreed points, including fiscal relief for the sector.
The situation on the ground is currently calm, but a prolonged suspension of cargo traffic could cause serious consequences for supply and the economy, writes Klix.ba.
The Government of Republika Srpska (RS) held an emergency session last night due to the announced blockade by carriers and requested the RS Ministry of Interior to prevent it. Therefore, at some major border crossings, such as Gradiška, there is no suspension of goods transport today.
The Ministry of Interior of the West Herzegovina Canton had earlier banned the protest of carriers and the blocking of borders, as did the Ministry of Interior of the Una-Sana Canton, an area where four border crossings are located.
The “Logistika” Consortium stated that the protest will be lawful and organized in accordance with instructions from the police and border services, and that all their activities will comply with legal regulations, but also that the protest will last until all demands are met.
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Source: N1; Foto: MTI via AP