Montenegrin Truck Drivers Join Regional Blockade Protesting EU Entry Rules

Regional Transport Grinds to a Halt

On January 26, 2026, truck drivers across Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina launched a coordinated 48-hour blockade of freight border crossings with the European Union. The widespread protest aims to highlight grievances against the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) and the rigorous enforcement of the 90-day stay rule within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Organizers estimate that up to 75,000 trucks from the affected Western Balkan countries are participating in the action, bringing significant portions of regional transport to a standstill.

The Core of the Dispute: EU's Entry/Exit System and Stay Rules

The protests stem from the truck drivers' assertion that the EU's regulations, particularly the EES and the 90-day stay limit, treat them as tourists rather than essential workers. The EES, which began its phased rollout in October 2025 and is expected to be fully operational by April 2026, digitally registers entries and exits, collecting biometric data and replacing traditional passport stamps. This digital system has led to a much stricter enforcement of the existing 90-day rule, which professional drivers argue makes it nearly impossible to sustain their work. They report quickly exhausting their permitted stay, leading to deportations, detentions, and substantial financial losses.

Montenegro's Specific Impact and Demands

In Montenegro, the blockade has affected crucial logistical points, including the strategically important Port of Bar on the Adriatic coast. Additionally, numerous border crossings with neighboring countries have been impacted. These include crossings with Croatia such as Debeli brijeg (Karasovići) and Ilino brdo (Vitaljina); with Bosnia and Herzegovina at Vraćenovići, Metaljka, Dračenovac, and Ranče; with Serbia at Dobrakovo; with Kosovo at Kula; and with Albania at Božaj.

Beyond the primary demand for exemptions from the EES and the 90-day rule, Montenegrin truck drivers are also calling for changes in excise duty refunds, faster VAT refunds, extended working hours for border customs and phytosanitary inspections, and adjustments to the ETIAS system. While freight traffic is severely disrupted, passenger vehicles, emergency services, military transports, and shipments of medicines, animals, and dangerous goods are generally being allowed to pass.

Official Reactions and Economic Concerns

The protests have drawn attention from European and regional officials. European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert acknowledged the concerns, stating that the EC is 'following the situation closely' and is 'aware' that highly mobile professions like truck drivers may require longer stays. He indicated that the Commission is examining options to address these needs, though he emphasized that the 90-day rule itself is not new.

Regional leaders have also voiced their support for the drivers. Serbia's Prime Minister Djuro Macut urged for a special status for regional drivers, warning of potential 'complete paralysis' of transport companies. Similarly, North Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski proposed solutions such as postponing the EES rollout, increasing the stay limit to 250 days, or implementing special regulations for professional drivers. The Serbian Chamber of Commerce highlighted the economic risks, noting that over 60% of the region's trade is with the EU, and prolonged blockades threaten supply chain stability. The Consortium 'Logistics BiH' reported that over 100 drivers were deported last year, with another 100 expulsion decisions recently announced, underscoring the immediate impact on livelihoods.

The protest, initially reported to Montenegrin police for 72 hours, is expected to continue indefinitely until a concrete solution is found to address the drivers' demands.