Western Balkan truck drivers urge EU rule change, set Aug 10 deadline

Transport associations from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia warned the European Union that the 90‑day stay limit in a 180‑day period for professional truck drivers is insufficient for their work. They argue drivers need a minimum of 130 days in the Schengen area to carry out cross‑border transport without risking deportations or entry bans.

The four countries have sent a joint letter to the European Commission demanding a solution by 10 August. They note that the Commission temporarily reset the drivers’ stay counts on 10 April, but that the reset will expire on the deadline, after which the 90‑day limit will resume. If no satisfactory measure is offered, the associations say they will consider further actions, including protests and possible border blockades, which could disrupt regional goods supply.

Representatives emphasized that truck drivers are professionals, not tourists, and should be recognised as a distinct group in EU law. They are seeking a system‑wide EU response that would apply uniformly across all 33 Schengen states.