Chairwoman Krišto Sends Letter to Western Balkans Prime Ministers

Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto sent a letter to Presidents of the Western Balkan Goverments (WB6), urging a coordianted and unique approach to the European Union institutions for the purpose of solving grave difficulties faced with international raod transport of goods.

The letter emphasises that truck transporters from the region have been facing problems at the European Union borders for a longer time due to application of Directive (EU) 2016/399, setting forth a rule of 90-day stay within 180-day time span. The issue was considered at Growth Plan meeting within the Berlin Process, however despite intensive efforts by competent institutions, no concrete and sustainable solution has been found.

Additional difficulties, including blockages of certain border-crossings towards the Euroepan Union made the situation even more complex, causing serious operative problems and considerable financial losses for transporters and economy of the region, as well.

Although efforts taken by institutions of the Euroepan Uion were recognised, including a fact that the European Commission recognised professional drivers for the first time as a special category, within its new visa strategy, key sector requesst remained unfulfilled.

Discussions by WB6 Minsiters with representatives of the European Commission comfirmed additionally complexity of the issue the and a need for stronger isntitutional engagement. Because of no systemic solution at the European Union level, transporters and economies of Western Balkan countries still undergo serious consequences, including supply chains disturbances, decreased competitiveness, and adverse effects to foreign exchange.

Chairwoman Krišto proposes in her letter consideration of a joint initiative by Prime Ministers of the region towards the European Union, for the aim at addressing the urgency of the situation and underlining the need for an urgent, forseable nad long-term sustainable solution.

Unique and agreed approach by counctries of the region would highlight additionally the importance of the issue, confirm committement to a constructive dialogue with Euroepan partners, and help arrive at a solution based on principles of free movement of goods and services. (end)