Bosnian truck drivers blocked two freight terminals on the Croatia border on Monday in protest of EU visa restrictions that limit their working time in the bloc.www.arabnews.pk The "Logistika BiH" Consortium, representing carriers and logistics operators, organized the action to challenge the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which subjects Balkan drivers to the same 90-days-in-180-day rule applied to tourists. According to protest organizers, the new regulations have made their work "administratively impossible," with many drivers now being turned back at border crossings. The blockades affected terminals at Orasje and Svilaj, though police prevented similar action at Gradiska, another major crossing.

The EES rollout, which began in October and is scheduled to come fully into force on April 10, has created significant disruption to regional trade flows. In Svilaj, freight traffic was halted entirely, with truck queues reaching approximately 1.5 kilometres.trans.info Beyond visa disputes, the consortium has highlighted systemic problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina's transport sector, including long border waiting times spanning several hours and an unpredictable administrative system. The blockades were implemented unevenly across regions, with some local authorities introducing restrictions to maintain supply continuity and public safety.

The economic stakes are substantial, as road transport carries the vast majority of goods in the region, with 93 percent of Bosnia's trade moving by road. During similar blockades in January, Balkan economies lost approximately 100 million euros daily in exports. Industry representatives warn that maintaining current restrictions could trigger broader escalation, potentially expanding blockades across multiple border crossings. Talks between carriers and public institutions are expected in the coming days to determine whether the protests will intensify or whether negotiations can ease tensions at the borders.