Western Balkans truck drivers threaten EU border blockade
Summary
Truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia are protesting European Union rules that limit how long they can stay in the Schengen area to 90 days within 180 days. They have threatened to block border crossings with the EU on September 14 unless the EU changes the rules.Key Facts
- The Schengen area includes 25 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, allowing border-free travel.
- The new Entry/Exit System tracks non-EU nationals’ time inside the Schengen zone electronically.
- Drivers from four Western Balkan countries are demanding an exemption from the 90-day rule.
- The EU is discussing bilateral agreements with some Western Balkan countries to address the issue.
- Over 60% of the Western Balkans’ trade is with the European Union, making the region economically tied to the EU.
- A border blockade could disrupt important shipments like food, fuel, medicine, and industrial goods.
- About 5,000 drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina alone are affected by the Schengen stay limit.
- The drivers say the current rules limit their work time and income, making it hard to support their families.
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