Western Balkans truck drivers threaten to block EU borders

Truck drivers from Western Balkan countries have warned they could block border crossings into the European Union unless rules limiting their time in the Schengen area are changed. The drivers are calling for an exemption from the general rule under which citizens of non-EU countries may stay in the Schengen zone for no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

The drivers argue that the current restriction effectively prevents them from doing their jobs, since frequent trips to and from EU member states quickly use up their allotted stay. This forces them to periodically halt work and wait until they are again eligible to enter the Schengen area, disrupting the continuity of freight transport between the Western Balkans and EU markets.

Threat of a border blockade

The drivers have warned that if their demand is not met, they may block border crossing points, which could disrupt the flow of goods between Western Balkan countries and the European Union. Such action would potentially affect supply chains in a region closely tied to EU trade.

The dispute stems from the broader Schengen visa regime that applies to citizens of non-EU countries, including residents of Western Balkan states that are not yet members of the EU or the Schengen area.