An online meeting held on 3 February brought together representatives of the European Commission, transport ministers from the Western Balkans and transport organisations from the region. Participants agreed that there is an urgent need to develop transitional solutions that would allow drivers to continue operating without the risk of breaching Schengen stay rules once the EES becomes fully operational.
The discussions underlined shared regional challenges, including the Western Balkans’ heavy reliance on road transport and transit through the Schengen area. Participants also warned that, without tangible progress in the short term, further border blockades could not be ruled out.
“Montenegro fully understands the importance of the EU’s migration policy, but in this case we are talking about a clearly defined and limited number of professional drivers engaged in international transport to EU countries — above all Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Belgium and Croatia,” said Maida Gorčević. “These drivers do not pose a migration threat. That is why we are ready, in cooperation with the European Commission and partners from the region, to actively contribute to developing specific and practical solutions, with full respect for the EU acquis.”
EES and drivers’ protests
The protests were triggered by concerns over the Schengen rule limiting stays to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Drivers and transport associations argue that this limit is incompatible with the realities of international road transport, particularly for drivers regularly operating routes into and through the EU.
The blockades, which lasted several days, caused significant disruption at border crossings, leading to delays in goods flows and financial losses for logistics operators.
Transport organisations from the region warn that the rollout of the EES — scheduled to be completed on 9 April 2026 — requires a transitional model that would, for example, allow drivers to complete transport operations without facing penalties linked to stay calculations.
Working group and possible transitional solutions
Representatives of most EU member states acknowledged during the meeting that there is currently no political consensus to amend Schengen rules or introduce formal exemptions for professional drivers under the EES.
However, the European Commission signalled its willingness to explore solutions within the existing legal framework, with the stated aim of avoiding supply chain disruption and safeguarding regional trade.
It was confirmed that, once fully implemented, the EES will record all crossings of the Schengen external borders and that the 90/180-day rule will be strictly enforced.
To continue the dialogue, a technical working group involving the EU and Western Balkans countries is expected to meet as early as next week. The group will examine detailed statistical data on the number of professional drivers, patterns of stay in the Schengen area, and operational challenges linked to the enforcement of the EES and the 90/180 rule.
European Commission representatives stressed that there are no quick fixes, but confirmed a willingness to engage in an accelerated and structured dialogue to identify durable solutions within the current legal framework.
What this means for the transport industry
Logistics operators should prepare for tighter border checks under the new EES and for potential delays affecting drivers from the Western Balkans. Until a transitional model is agreed, the system risks constraining driver availability and disrupting regular transport flows between the EU and the Western Balkans — a region that plays a key role in European road freight transit.
