Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Balkan Truckers End EU Blockade After Visa Rule Update
Some truck drivers in the Balkans were very upset about new rules from the European Union (EU).
These rules make it harder for them to travel and work in the EU, and they could even be sent back to their home countries.
So, they started blocking cargo at the borders to protest.
The EU then said they would make the rules a bit easier for people like truck drivers, athletes, and artists.
Truck drivers in Montenegro and North Macedonia stopped their protests after hearing this.
But the truck drivers in Bosnia and Serbia said the EU's changes weren't enough and continued their blockade.
This blockade is causing a lot of problems and money is being lost every day.
Truck drivers in Montenegro and North Macedonia ended blockades after the EU announced a more flexible visa strategy for professionals.
Truckers in Bosnia and Serbia continued the blockade, stating the EU's changes did not meet their demands.
The blockade is causing significant financial losses, with 93% of exports from the four countries affected, amounting to about 92 million euros per day.
The EU's new visa strategy aims to provide flexibility for highly mobile professions like truck drivers, athletes, and artists.
The protest was launched against the EU’s stricter implementation of its entry-exit system, which could lead to detention and deportation for exceeding Schengen visit limits.
- Who
- Truck drivers in Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and Serbia
- What
- Protest against EU's entry-exit system and blockade of cargo terminals
- When
- Blockades began on Monday, January 29, 2024
- Where
- Borders with the European Union, including Greece, Bulgaria, and Croatia
- Why
- To protest against the EU’s new stricter implementation of its entry-exit system, which they claim adds significant costs and faces detention and deportation for exceeding Schengen visit limits
- Countries Involved
- Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia, Serbia
- EU Visa Strategy
- Flexibility for highly mobile professions like truck drivers, athletes, artists
- Blockade Impact
- 93% of exports from the four countries blocked
- Daily Financial Loss
- Approximately 92 million euros ($109.95 million)
- Protest Demands
- Adjustment of EU entry-exit system rules
- EU Border Crossings Affected
- Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia