Transporters from North Macedonia protested outside the EU Delegation in Skopje, calling for changes to the Schengen rule limiting their stay to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The drivers say the rule treats professional truckers like tourists, despite their role in transporting goods essential to factories and supply chains across the region. They proposed that authorities count the hours and minutes spent in transit rather than entire days.
Transporters also criticized cases in which drivers were detained for several hours while their travel records were checked, calling such treatment discriminatory and a violation of human rights.
President of the Transporters’ Association Mаkam Trans, Biljana Muratovska, warned of stricter border blockades if no solution is found. It said it has been waiting seven months for an EU response.
The government said it is pursuing bilateral agreements on long-term visas with Schengen countries. Agreements are already in place with Switzerland, Croatia and Romania, while talks with Austria, Slovenia and Germany are planned for September. Similar protests were held in Belgrade, Podgorica and Sarajevo.