Nikoloski: Government signs bilateral Schengen agreements to help carriers

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said the Government is taking steps to assist Macedonian carriers by signing bilateral agreements with countries in the Schengen area.

Speaking after a visit to Struga, Nikoloski told journalists that the executive branch recognises the concerns of transport companies and is seeking practical solutions within its remit.

"We have full understanding for the transporters and we try, within our capabilities, to help and find a solution. It's about rules in the Schengen area and rules regulated by the Schengen area. What we can do is sign bilateral agreements with the Schengen member countries. We are already doing that, we have already reached agreements with several countries, and in the next period we will work intensively on agreements with other countries. In September a high-level meeting with the Austrian government is announced, and in October a meeting with the Slovenian [government] is announced," Nikoloski said in Struga in response to a question about announced protests by Macedonian carriers.

Agreements and routes

Nikoloski said the Government has already concluded arrangements with Switzerland, Croatia and Romania, and is working with Germany to expand coverage of the routes most frequently used by Macedonian hauliers.

He added that authorities will continue negotiations and will sign bilateral pacts with any Schengen-member country willing to cooperate, aiming to reduce pressure on the transport sector and to keep international freight flows running.

Photo: press material from the event