Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Truckers Blockade EU Borders Over Visa Rules
Truck drivers in several countries are protesting because they can't stay in the EU for long enough to do their jobs.
They've blocked important roads and a big port in Montenegro.
This is causing problems because Montenegro gets most of its fuel through that port.
The government is worried there might not be enough fuel for very long.
They're asking people not to buy too much fuel so it lasts longer.
The protest is allowed to continue until Thursday afternoon.
The EU is working on a new plan to help truck drivers and other people who travel a lot for work.
The blockade is also stopping a lot of goods from being moved, which is costing a lot of money every day.
Truckers in the Western Balkans are protesting against EU entry rules that limit their stay and could lead to detention and deportation.
The blockade has halted freight along a key corridor linking the EU to Turkey and the Middle East, causing daily economic damage of about 92 million euros.
Montenegrin truckers lifted the blockade of the Adriatic port of Bar, which had caused fear of fuel shortages.
Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic urged the EU to consider the daily needs of Montenegrin transporters.
The EU is working on a new visa strategy for highly mobile professions like truck drivers, athletes, and artists.
- Who
- Truck drivers in Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia
- What
- Blockade of border crossings and the port of Bar
- When
- Blockade began on Monday, protest permit until midday on Thursday
- Where
- Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia
- Why
- Protest against restrictive EU entry rules leading to potential detention and deportation
- Location
- Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia
- Cause
- Truckers' blockade over EU entry rules
- Impacted Port
- Port of Bar
- Protest Duration
- Until midday on Thursday
- Fuel Supply Status
- Reduced to petrol stations' stocks
- Daily Economic Impact
- 92 million euros ($109.95 million)
- EU Response
- Working on new visa strategy for highly mobile professions