BAHundreds of professional truck drivers from Western Balkan countries are facing severe challenges across European Union roads due to strict enforcement of Schengen stay rules. These rules treat foreign drivers as tourists, leading to arrests, vehicle impoundments, and deportations, while disrupting the logistics sector and threatening supply chain stability. The core issue lies in the 90/180-day rule, originally designed for tourists, which now directly affects freight drivers transporting essential goods. When drivers exceed their allowed stay, chaos ensues at borders, with police frequently detaining them, leaving trucks abandoned, and forcing deportations. Interpretation of the rules varies among EU member states, causing inconsistencies—what passes in Croatia or Slovenia might result in immediate arrest in Vienna. In response, transport unions from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia have jointly pressured the European Commission for urgent exemptions for professional drivers by August 10, 2026. A proposed visa system tailored for non-Schengen country professionals could ease these issues. Economic impacts are already visible, with over half of the 5
Lecture du biais (Centre): The article presents a factual account of the logistical and legal challenges faced by truck drivers under Schengen regulations without overtly favoring any political side. It highlights both the systemic flaws in current policies and the economic consequences, while emphasizing calls for reform. No
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 75 · Objectivité 80): The article presents a coherent account of the issues faced by drivers from Western Balkan countries due to Schengen rules, citing an Austrian media source (Kosmo.at) and referencing a 2026 report from the European Commission. While the general facts align with the cross-source consensus, some detai
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