European Commission on truckers’ demands: Length-of-stay issue has our full attention, work is ongoing

Transport operators argue that the EES system discriminates against Balkan truck drivers by enforcing Schengen stay limits, which they say treats them as tourists rather than professionals and makes it impossible to perform their work.

Asked to comment on the blockades and accusations of discrimination, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said Brussels is aware of the situation and is in contact with partners in the region.

“We are aware of the concerns raised by transport operators in the Western Balkans. We are following the situation closely and we are in contact with our partners in the region,” Lammert said.

Truck drivers have pointed to the implementation of the Entry-Exit System as the trigger for the protests, warning that strict enforcement of stay limits threatens freight transport and trade between the EU and the Western Balkans.

Lammert said the system itself does not change the legal framework governing stays in the Schengen area.

“The Entry access system does not introduce any new regulations, any new requirements relating to the length of stay under the Schengen area. What it does is to ensure better implementation of existing rules and also a better and systematic detection of irregular practices,” he said.

He reiterated that the rules on length of stay have been in force for years and apply equally across the Schengen area.

“According to the Schengen rules, citizens of visa-free countries have the right to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180-day period. Any stays beyond this must be covered by a long-stay visa or by national arrangements. These rules, and that's very important, apply equally across the entire Schengen area and have been in place for many years,” Lammert said.

One of the key demands of protesters is recognition of professional drivers as a distinct category, similar to pilots or seafarers, rather than being treated as tourists. Addressing that issue, Lammert acknowledged challenges faced by highly mobile professions.

“Schengen has already also foreseen some flexibility regarding cross-border workers. And now on the specific problem that you raised - we are aware that for a number of third country professionals who are not cross-border workers there might be a necessity to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within 180 days,” he said.

“This includes professions that are working with a high mobility, such as truck drivers, but also athletes and touring artists,” Lammert added.

He said the issue is linked to national rules and bilateral agreements and confirmed it is under active consideration in Brussels.

“This also has to do with national rules and existing bilateral agreements. And this is an issue which has our full attention. And this is something that work is ongoing on and reflections are ongoing on, also in the context of the preparations of the upcoming visa strategy, which is foreseen for later this week,” Lammert said.

He concluded by stressing continued engagement with Western Balkan partners.

“And again, we remain engaged with our partner countries in the Western Balkans and continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said.

Transport operators say blockades will continue until concrete solutions are offered, warning of serious disruptions to trade if the dispute remains unresolved.