On 06/09/2023, a meeting was held in the premises of the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton between representatives of the Association of Authorized Dealers and Car Traders, which operates within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Chamber of Economy, and Minister Bečarević.
The topic of the meeting was a joint initiative of the Association of Authorized Dealers and Car Traders and the Association for Electromobility aimed at simplifying the procedure for installing electric charging stations in Sarajevo Canton. The leadership of the Association, made up of representatives of business entities, informed Minister Bečarević of their commitment to electromobility, on the path to reducing transport-related pollution and achieving decarbonization goals globally, and thus in BiH, on the one hand, and of the new business models and opportunities in business that electromobility brings them, on the other.
At the meeting, business representatives pointed out that the key barrier to their business and the faster growth of electromobility in BiH is the complex procedure for obtaining the building permit required for the installation of charging stations.
Minister Bečarević stated on this occasion that he is already fully familiar with the stated issue and expressed his full support for the development of electromobility and readiness for proactive cooperation in removing barriers for business entities in their operations, which is reflected in the proposal to amend and supplement the Spatial Planning Act of Sarajevo Canton, and in defining the charging station as a prefabricated structure of simple construction for which a building permit is not required.
During the meeting, representatives of the Association pointed out that during the summer period there was a very noticeable increase in tourists arriving in the capital by electric vehicles, who do not have access to a single so-called “fast” DC public charger in the city center, and only a few so-called “slow” public AC chargers within several municipalities in Sarajevo Canton.
With the above-mentioned simple amendment and supplement to the Spatial Planning Act of Sarajevo Canton, in addition to benefits for business entities, reduction of transport-related pollution, tourism potential, new business models envisaged by the new Electricity Act in the Federation of BiH, innovations, and new jobs, Sarajevo Canton, as the capital of BiH, would additionally confirm its commitment to decarbonization and the achievement of the set strategic goals of the Sarajevo Canton Government.
Minister Bečarević pointed out that by adopting the already prepared proposal for amendments and supplements to the Spatial Planning Act of Sarajevo Canton, many things would be resolved immediately; specifically in this case, the economy and electromobility would experience significant growth, which would have a direct impact on the economic development of Sarajevo Canton, oriented toward “green” business, environmental protection and the reduction of transport-related pollution, as one of the key problems the Canton faces throughout the year, especially in the winter period.
On behalf of the Federation of BiH Chamber of Economy and all member companies – business entities, we ask for understanding and assistance with the aim of urgently overcoming the stated problems so as to enable regular and sustainable business operations of business entities, preservation of jobs, and mitigation of financial and time losses they have, among other things, given the current procedures for obtaining permits for the construction of electric vehicle charging stations.
