EU Rejects All Western Balkan Proposals to Ease Schengen 90/180 Rule for Truck Drivers
Updated: 11 hours ago
BRUSSELS, September 21, 2026 — The European Commission has confirmed it will not modify the Schengen 90/180-day rule for professional drivers from the Western Balkans, rejecting demands from hauliers who say the restriction is crippling cross-border logistics.
The decision, communicated at a Brussels press briefing, directly addresses protests staged outside EU delegation buildings in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje on August 31, 2026, where drivers warned of renewed border blockades from September 14 if no solution was found.
The Commission's Position
Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert acknowledged the difficulties faced by mobile professionals but confirmed the rule remains unchanged:
"We recognize that several professionals from non-EU countries, who are not cross-border workers, require entry into the Schengen area for periods exceeding 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This applies to occupations that demand significant mobility, such as truck drivers, as well as athletes and touring artists."
He stressed that the Entry/Exit System (EES) does not introduce new rules — it simply strengthens enforcement of rules that have existed for years.
The Core Dispute
Aspect | Details |
Current Rule | Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area |
Driver Reality | Professional drivers routinely exceed this limit |
Driver Demand | Exemption or increase to 125–130 days |
Commission Response | Rule unchanged; bilateral agreements suggested |
Zijad Saric, Chairman of the Logistics Consortium of Bosnia and Herzegovina, put it plainly: "We simply want to work and transport goods through the countries of the European Union."
Enforcement Intensified Since EES Rollout
The rule is not new — but enforcement tightened sharply after the EES began operating in October 2025. The system now records every entry and exit automatically, catching overstayers who previously slipped through.
The result has been dramatic. According to the International Transport Association, more than 50 Serbian drivers were turned away from Schengen borders in a single week in late August 2026.
How We Got Here
Date | Event |
January 2026 | First coordinated border blockades by Western Balkan hauliers |
January 29, 2026 | Commission presents Migration Strategy, pledges to examine solutions |
August 31, 2026 | Protests outside EU delegations in four capitals |
September 1, 2026 | Brussels meeting on Western Balkan carrier status |
September 14, 2026 | Deadline for solution before renewed blockades |
At the August protests, hauliers submitted a joint letter to EU delegations stating they want to work, not reside in the EU — and that Brussels should stop treating them as ordinary tourists.
🇪🇺 The Alternative: Bilateral Agreements
Rather than amending Schengen rules, the Commission points to national measures:
"Member States may, under their national legislation, issue long-stay visas or residence permits to third-country nationals, including professional drivers."
This opens the door to country-by-country deals. North Macedonia's Transport Minister confirmed his government is already pursuing this path, having reached agreements with Switzerland, Croatia and Romania, with talks planned with Austria, Slovenia and Germany.
The Commission acknowledged this could cause fragmentation across the bloc but said it remains engaged with member states to share best practices.
Long-Term Fix: The EU Visa Strategy
The Commission's EU Visa Strategy, adopted in January 2026, commits to exploring options for high-mobility professionals, including:
Long-stay visas for mobile workers
A possible EU extended short-stay permit
Discussions with member states have begun, but no timeline has been set for legislative proposals.
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Rule Status | Unchanged — 90 days in any 180-day period |
Commission Position | No EU-level exemption planned |
Suggested Solution | Bilateral agreements with member states |
EES Impact | Stronger enforcement, not new rules |
Driver Demand | Exemption or increase to 125–130 days |
Protest Threat | Border blockades from September 14, 2026 |
Long-Term Options | EU Visa Strategy exploring extended permit |
Read Also
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
European Commission – Schengen Visa Policy | |
EU Visa Strategy (January 2026) | |
Schengen Borders Code | |
European Parliament – Question E-001242/2026 |
For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/news
VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub.Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.
Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.
Comments