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Truck and lorry drivers in the Balkan countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia held demonstrations to protest on Monday against the European Union’s transit rules in the Schengen Area.
Hundreds of drivers gathered outside the EU Delegation building in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The drivers were protesting against the EU rule limiting how long they can stay in the Schengen Area.
Zijad Saric, one of the organizers, said they hoped the EU would take a positive step on the application of the “90 days in 180” rule.
Saric said drivers simply wanted to do their jobs, adding that they had no intention of settling permanently in the EU or posing a security threat, and would not give up their rights.
Drivers from non-EU Balkan countries said they were unhappy with the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES).
Under the EES, which came into force in October 2025, drivers from non-EU countries may stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Drivers argue the limit is not enough to complete their work, and that domestic transport companies risk disappearing if professional drivers migrate to EU countries.
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