Bosnia and Herzegovina is working on an ambitious infrastructure project known as transport corridor Vc, which aims to connect the Croatian port of Ploče with the Bosnian capital Sarajevo and other industrial cities in the region. The 336-kilometre-long highway project, which has been in the works for 23 years, is vital for enhancing transportation connections between Bosnia and its neighbours in the Balkans, as well as improving access to European markets. While the project has faced delays and increasing costs, the European Union has provided significant financial support, including €870 million in grants and cheap loans from institutions like the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The construction of transport corridor Vc is seen as essential for Bosnia’s aspirations to join the EU, as it will facilitate better trade relations with European partners by improving transportation infrastructure in the country. European companies have been establishing production sites in Bosnia due to lower labour costs, but inefficient roads have hindered their ability to deliver products promptly to customers. With industrial parks emerging along the corridor, there is potential for job creation, economic growth, and increased competitiveness for Bosnia and the wider region. Despite only half of the highway being completed thus far, progress is accelerating, with approximately 60 kilometres of tunnels, bridges, and road sections currently under construction.
One company benefiting from improved infrastructure is NCMC, a leading producer of rack warehouses in the region. While the company exports its products globally, it faces challenges due to the inadequate railway network in Bosnia, opting to transport goods by road instead. The completion of transport corridor Vc is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs for NCMC, allowing the company to expand its production capacity and increase efficiency. Employees at NCMC, like welders, mechanical engineers, and project managers, are optimistic about the business’s outlook and the opportunities that come with enhanced transportation networks.
There is growing anticipation among citizens and businesses in Bosnia for the completion of transport corridor Vc, as it is expected to streamline cross-border travel and trade with neighbouring countries, particularly those in the EU. Truck drivers like Armin Mević express their support for Bosnia’s EU aspirations, citing the challenges they face at border crossings and the potential benefits of being part of the European Single Market. However, concerns remain about the slow progress of the highway expansion, attributed to administrative delays and political divisions in the country. The EU delegation in Bosnia emphasizes the importance of implementing anti-corruption measures and strengthening public administration to ensure that EU funds are used effectively for infrastructure development.
Despite challenges and uncertainties surrounding the timeline for the completion of transport corridor Vc, there is a shared belief that improved infrastructure will drive growth and prosperity in Bosnia and the wider Western Balkans region. The project is viewed as a strategic investment to integrate the region into the European Single Market and facilitate economic development. In order to realize the potential benefits of the highway project, Bosnia will need to address issues related to corruption, political unity, and administrative efficiency. By working together and focusing on common goals, Bosnia’s diverse ethnic groups have the opportunity to build bridges towards a better future and establish closer ties with the European Union.
