The European Commission's decision sparked opposition from carriers from the Balkans

The European Commission's decision sparked opposition

According to Nikola Brkovic, representative of the BiH Logistics Consortium bringing together carriers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the decision to block the borders was made unanimously during an online meeting. This is a reaction to the European Commission's announcement that it does not plan to change the regulations regarding the stay of professional drivers from the Balkans in the Schengen area.

We held an online meeting during which we unanimously confirmed the position previously presented to the media. The European Commission remains deaf to our problems. Despite submitting a protest note - in which we again appealed to avoid harm, both to ourselves and to others - our legitimate demands were ignored, said Brkovic, quoted by Klix.

Joint action by carriers from four countries

Carriers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro intend to operate together. Brković emphasized that no country will act alone, and carriers will "unite forces in these actions." He admitted that the blockade of the EU borders would probably lead to general paralysis.

Appeal to change the regulations

On Monday, carriers protested in front of the European Union delegations in Sarajevo, Belgrade, Podgorica and Skopje. They demanded an urgent solution to the problem of restrictions on the stay of professional drivers from the Balkans in the Schengen countries.

Carrier associations from four countries in the region have been calling for months to change the regulations according to which professional drivers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. This - in their opinion - prevents the efficient functioning of the transport industry and hinders the implementation of contracts.

This is not the first such protest

Drivers from four Balkan countries carried out a similar blockade at the end of January this year. At that time, they also demanded changes to EU regulations. So far, the European Commission has not announced any changes to the regulations.