Full Breakdown
Western Balkans Truckers Protest EU Entry-Exit Rules
1/29/2026, 11:12:28 PM
Ongoing Blockades and Economic Impact
Truck drivers across the Western Balkans, including Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, have maintained blockades at cargo terminals on their borders with the European Union since January 26, 2026. The protests are in response to the EU's stricter enforcement of its Entry-Exit System (EES), which limits non-EU citizens to a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen area within any 180-day period. Truckers argue that the enforcement of these rules threatens their livelihoods, as long wait times at borders and cargo handling can lead to unintentional violations, resulting in detention and deportation.
Marko Cadez, head of Serbia's Chamber of Commerce, reported that 93% of exports from the affected countries are blocked, incurring daily losses estimated at approximately 92 million euros ($109.95 million). The blockades have halted freight along critical routes connecting the EU to Turkey and the Middle East, impacting both local transport companies and EU-based firms operating in the region.
Government Responses and Negotiations
In light of the protests, regional governments have reached out to the EU for concessions. Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic has urged the EU to consider the daily operational needs of Montenegrin transporters. Serbia is seeking a meeting with the European Commission to discuss potential solutions, including special visas or permits for truck drivers. Meanwhile, Montenegrin truckers lifted a blockade at the Adriatic port of Bar, alleviating fears of fuel shortages.
Montenegro’s Minister of European Affairs, Majda Gorcevic, emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the sector's concerns and indicated that discussions with the European Commission regarding the application of the EES would commence soon.
Criticism of EU Policies
Critics of the EU's policies argue that the EES and related regulations impose excessive operational burdens on transport companies, potentially leading to job losses. The Logistics Consortium of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted that many drivers have faced "forced returns" despite holding valid contracts and documents, which they claim is unjustified under the current regulations. They assert that the deportations are not linked to security risks but rather to bureaucratic enforcement of the EES.
Future Developments
The protests are scheduled to continue for seven days, with the possibility of suspension if a satisfactory solution is reached. Truck drivers have expressed their intent to maintain pressure until their concerns are adequately addressed, emphasizing the need for a negotiation framework that recognizes the realities of international cargo transportation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Invite us to negotiate, with a commitment to find a compromise within the next 60 days.” — Nedjo Mandic, Association of Transporters of Serbia
- “The problem facing professional drivers has nothing to do with the EES system.” — Logistics Consortium of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- “The Ministry of European Affairs has already initiated communication with the European Commission regarding the application of the ETIAS [European Travel Authorisation System] Regulation and has received assurances that a joint platform with Western Balkan partners and the Directorate-General for Home Affairs will be established as soon as possible, in order to begin discussions on this issue and reach an acceptable and sustainable solution” — Majda Gorcevic, Montenegro’s Minister of European Affairs
The ongoing situation highlights the tension between EU regulations and the operational realities faced by transporters in the Western Balkans, raising questions about the future of cross-border trade and cooperation.
