European Commission will not change Schengen stay rules

The European Commission said it will not change the rules that limit stays inside the Schengen area, a stance that leaves Macedonian and regional hauliers uncertain about longer rotations in EU territory.

At a regular press briefing the Commission's spokesman Markus Lamert acknowledged the mobility needs of some third-country specialists but reiterated that the 90 days in any 180-day period rule remains the baseline: "We are aware that for a number of specialists from third countries who are not cross-border workers it is necessary to have access to the Schengen area for more than 90 days in a period of 180 days. This applies to professions that require a high degree of mobility, such as truck drivers, but also athletes and touring artists," he said.

Brussels stance and the government's response

Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikolovski told reporters that Brussels has not delivered a negative reply and insisted a practical solution is near. He outlined two tracks he considers viable: EU recognition of carriers as professionals in its new visa strategy, and bilateral agreements for long-stay work visas. "Мислам дека решението на ова прашање е во две насоки. Прво, Европската унија во својата нова визна стратегија ги препозна превозниците како професионалци, и второ дека, един ственото решение се билатерални договори за долгорочни работни визи кои што ние веќе ги имаме склучено и ги склучуваме, и тоа е единственото можно решение.", he said.

The uncertainty has driven months of unrest among carriers. In recent days truck drivers organised a warning protest in front of the EU delegation building and warned they would escalate: they said they are prepared to block border crossings on 14ti септември if a solution for stays in Schengen countries is not found.

Identical demonstrations took place outside EU delegations in Sarajevo, Belgrade and Podgorica, signalling that the issue affects hauliers across the Western Balkans.

The situation leaves a practical gap between Brussels’ formal position and the mobility needs of highly mobile professions; Macedonian authorities continue to press for bilateral tools while carriers prepare to press their case on the ground.

Photo: press material from the event