Sarajevo, (Fena) – Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Communications and Transport, Edin Forto, met with ambassadors from EU member states to discuss challenges in the transport sector, particularly the recent protests by professional drivers.
– We are committed to advocating for full European rights for our drivers. I have asked for a special agenda item regarding the issues faced by professional drivers to be included in the 8th session of the BiH – EU Stabilization and Association Committee, so we can systematically address this matter – Forto stated.
EU representatives highlighted their ongoing consideration of how to tackle EU-relevant issues within current frameworks and affirmed their availability to BiH authorities on all topics within their jurisdiction.
They urged political figures in BiH to refocus on the European integration path, including reaching an agreement on the Growth Plan. The key role of the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH was underscored, particularly concerning connectivity and digitalization.
In early September 2025, transporters in Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted road blockades nationwide due to high operational costs, such as fuel excise taxes, elevated tolls, and lengthy customs procedures.
Alongside local demands, they are advocating for changes in their relationship with the European Union, specifically the elimination of rules categorizing BiH drivers as tourists, which restricts their EU stay to 90 days, and the enforcement of the AETR agreement, as well as adherence to the Stabilization and Association Agreement, to ensure they can operate on equal footing within the European transport sector. (05.09.)
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