Talis Linkaits: Only bilateral agreements with EU states can solve truckers' problems
Linkaits told the Žabljak ministerial meeting that bilateral long-term visas with individual EU countries are the most feasible immediate measure.
Talis Linkaits, director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, told ministers in Žabljak, Montenegro that bilateral agreements between Western Balkan states and individual EU member countries are the only realistic short-term fix for the disputes that have sparked truckers’ protests.
Linkaits spoke at the Third ministerial meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, amid continuing tensions after truck drivers from the region blocked borders to EU countries in April to protest the introduction of an electronic entry-exit system in Schengen states.
Short-term bilateral visas, long-term EU strategy
“There are many different proposals on the table, but it all depends on whether EU member states will agree to these rules. As I said, an urgent or short-term solution is to hold bilateral talks with neighbouring states or between states that want to ensure drivers receive long-term visas, at least bilaterally, so that the majority of trade between the countries can continue,” Linkaits said during the meeting.
Truck drivers from the Western Balkans object to the 90-in-180-day rule that applies to tourists and other visitors in the EU, arguing they are professional drivers who cannot afford to be idle for half the time without making their businesses unprofitable.
A new wave of border blockades had been scheduled for 14 September in North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but organisers cancelled the action to avoid disrupting supply chains and to show goodwill.
Linkaits said the region hopes for a comprehensive measure tied to the EU’s new visa strategy, expected to be adopted by the end of next year. Meanwhile, North Macedonia has already signed bilateral agreements with Croatia, Romania and Switzerland, and is negotiating with Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovenia on issuing long-term visas for carriers, while Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski said some EU members oppose a common solution for all countries.
Photo: press material from the event
