The transport sector is particularly opposed to the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period, arguing that professional truck drivers should not be treated in the same way as tourists because their time in the Schengen Area is spent working and transporting goods. Drivers say the current rules have already resulted in detentions, deportations, fines and entry bans, creating serious problems for transport companies and disrupting supply chains.
The planned action follows months of negotiations and protests. Transporters say the European Commission has acknowledged that professional drivers from third countries may require longer access to the Schengen Area, but has so far offered no concrete change to the current rules.
The European Commission has confirmed that the 90/180 rule will not be changed, despite the concerns raised by the sector.
The issue is particularly important for the Western Balkans, whose economies rely heavily on road freight links with the EU. Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut has said the government understands the concerns of transporters and is continuing diplomatic efforts to find a solution, but described the planned border blockades as unacceptable.
If implemented, the coordinated action could cause significant delays at EU–Western Balkan border crossings and disrupt the movement of goods across the region.
