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Western Balkans transport dispute over Schengen rules

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2026-09-19 11:23 UTC → 2026-09-22 10:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Truck drivers from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia continue to protest the European Commission’s enforcement of the 90/180-day Schengen stay rule. This regulation, which treats professional drivers as tourists, has led to deportations and detentions at borders including Croatia, Hungary, and Romania. Following discussions in Brussels, organizers moved forward with a coordinated protest starting at midnight on 14 September, which involved halting road freight transport at 21 border crossings. The stoppage targeted both entry and exit freight terminals and roads leading to smaller crossings, with organizers stating the action would continue until a residency solution is offered. In response to the crisis, Croatia is set to begin accepting applications for special long-term visas for professional truck and bus drivers from the Western Balkans starting 23 September. This new system will initially process a limited number of applications via an electronic system, allowing drivers from North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro to submit online requests and book appointments. While this offers relief, industry experts note it only partially addresses the complexities of continuous cross-border transit and broader labor shortages. Other Schengen countries, including Romania, Czechia, and Greece, are also expected to implement similar permit measures. To mitigate logistical delays, the Union of Economic Chambers is advocating for the rapid implementation of digital waybills to replace paper documentation. Macedonian Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikolloski has stated that the government will continue to seek bilateral agreements with Schengen countries to resolve residency issues. As of late September, Macedonian transport businesses remain cautious, with leaders warning that failure to resolve residency limits could lead to future border blockades. Industry representatives expect a clearer understanding of legislative changes from various Schengen nations by the end of November.

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