Croatia continues push for EU driver exemptions amid EES implementation

Addressing recent concerns and protests by transport operators in Southeast Europe, Zagreb clarified that the fundamental 90/180-day stay regulations have not changed with the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Data from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior suggests that entry denials for Bosnian truck drivers remain stable. In the first two months of 2026, 23 BiH citizens were denied entry at the border, a slight decrease compared to 24 denials during the same period in 2025.

The Croatian government acknowledged that the rollout of the EES has caused short-term disruptions in regional traffic and logistics. However, officials described these challenges as part of a temporary adjustment phase to the European Union’s new external border management regime. The government assessed the overall economic impact of these disruptions as limited and transitory.

Despite the current logistical hurdles, Croatia’s ongoing diplomatic efforts at the EU level aim to provide a long-term solution for professional drivers from neighbouring non-EU countries, who remain a vital link in the regional supply chain.