Western Balkan truckers threaten EU border shutdown over 90-day Schengen cap

On Monday, hundreds of truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia gathered to denounce EU rules that restrict non-Schengen drivers to 90 days within any 180-day span, arguing the limit halves their earning capacity. They warned they will shut down border crossings with the European Union on September 14 unless Brussels exempts them. The dispute has sharpened after the EU’s Entry/Exit System, operational since April, began electronically logging non-EU nationals’ movements in the 25-state Schengen zone.

While the European Commission says it is negotiating bilateral arrangements—such as North Macedonia’s deals with Croatia, Switzerland and Romania—drivers say these piecemeal accords fall short of a comprehensive solution. With the EU accounting for more than 60 % of Western Balkan trade, a prolonged blockade could stall imports of food, fuel, medicines and other essentials, raising costs for businesses and consumers. The drivers cite earlier January blockades that halted freight terminals as proof of their leverage. They call for a special regime that recognises their role as professional transporters rather than tourists.