Transport companies from North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina plan a seven‑day blockade of border crossings to the Schengen zone starting on January 26, in protest against the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
President of the Association of Transporters MAKAM-TRANS Biljana Muratovska said the blockade could cause short‑term losses but stressed that meeting transporters’ demands would bring major economic benefits.
Their main request is a solution for drivers’ stay in the Schengen zone, arguing that the 90/180‑day rule threatens supply chains and regional economies.
Deputy PM Aleksandar Nikoloski warned that the new system could collapse export‑oriented industries, raising transport costs by up to 5% and making Balkan goods uncompetitive.