Truck Drivers in the Western Balkans Protest EU Entry Rules, Risk Fuel Shortages

Truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia initiated blockades at border crossings with the European Union on January 28, 2023. The protests are a response to the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which imposes stricter regulations on the duration non-EU citizens can remain in the Schengen area. Under this system, truck drivers face deportation if they exceed a 90-day stay limit, complicating their operations and livelihoods.

Balkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages

The protests have significantly disrupted transport along a vital corridor connecting the EU with Turkey and the Middle East. Notably, the blockade at the Adriatic port of Bar, Montenegro's primary entry point for fuel imports, has raised alarms about potential fuel shortages. The Montenegrin Energy Ministry reported that current fuel supplies are limited to what is available at petrol stations, which could sustain operations for only a few days. Authorities have urged the public to avoid panic buying, as fuel sales surged nearly double the usual daily average.

Montenegro faces fuel shortage threat amid truck drivers protestsTruck drivers’ blockades can cause fuel shortages in MontenegroBalkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages

The economic ramifications of the protests are substantial. In Bosnia, businesses have already incurred losses estimated at €8 million (approximately $9.55 million) since the protests began, with potential losses reaching €22 million if the blockades persist for an extended period. The Logistika association, representing 47,000 transport workers, highlighted that over 100 Bosnian truck drivers were deported in the past year for exceeding the Schengen limits, exacerbating the urgency of their demands.

Balkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages

The protesting truck drivers are calling for immediate action from the European Union to address what they describe as discriminatory practices against them. Zijad Saric, a representative of the transport sector, emphasized that they are neither migrants nor illegal workers, but essential contributors to the economy. Their demands include an extension of the allowed stay in the Schengen area, a refund of excise taxes on oil, a return of VAT, and a reduction of motorway tolls.

Balkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages

The Montenegrin Energy Ministry has requested oil companies to provide updates on fuel stock levels and the duration of supply availability. They have prioritized fuel distribution for essential services, including hospitals and security services, amid the ongoing protests. The police have confirmed that the truckers have a permit to protest until midday on Thursday, indicating a temporary window for negotiations.

Truck drivers’ blockades can cause fuel shortages in Montenegro

While the protests have been widely reported, there is a lack of clarity regarding the exact duration of the blockades and the potential for resolution. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between the truck drivers and government officials.

Balkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages

• “We demand that the European Union urgently stops the discrimination of Bosnian truck drivers,” — Zijad Saric, Transporter

Balkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages

• “It said current supplies had ?effectively been reduced to the fuel available at petrol stations, which would allow the market to operate for only a few more days.” — Montenegrin Energy Ministry

Montenegro faces fuel shortage threat amid truck drivers protests

The protests by truck drivers in the Western Balkans underscore the tensions between regional transport needs and EU regulations, with significant implications for fuel supply and economic stability in the region.

Balkans truck protests against EU rules risk fuel shortages