Serbian Transporters Association calls for removal of restrictions on drivers’ stay in Schengen countries

In an open letter to representatives of the Schengen countries, the President of the Serbian Transporters Association, Nedjo Mandic, calls for a solution for the new European Entry/Exit System (EES 180/90).

This system does not allow professional drivers to stay in these countries for more than 90 days in a six-month period, which will prevent the import and export of goods from Serbia.

The EES was introduced on October 12, 2025, and will have a trial period until April 10, 2026, after which it will be strictly enforced.

In the letter, Mandic assessed that “the application of Schengen rules to all categories of third-country citizens amounts to a negation of Schengen” and announced that transporters would block border crossings on Monday, January 26, as a warning.

– After years of appeals to find a solution to this problem, transport operators from the Western Balkans have decided not to violate the 90/180 norm and that from 12 PM on January 26, 2026, they will not require their drivers to drive contrary to this rule. They have informed the representatives of the European Commission about their decision – Mandic stated.

He has suggested that if the European Commission and the Schengen Agreement members have the good will and intention to solve this problem, a guarantee that until new rules or an exception to the existing ones are adopted, professional drivers will not be harassed, arrested, deported or banned from entering would be sufficient.

– I ask for a guarantee that a professional driver from the Western Balkans will not be prevented from entering the Schengen area by truck if they have valid personal documents, drive a truck for an employer who has registered them as a professional driver with the Ministry of Transport, have the necessary international permits exchanged under bilateral agreements with European countries, have the correct documentation for the vehicle and goods, and have not been banned from entering the Schengen area – stated Mandic.

In the letter in which he emphasized that he was “speaking as a future EU citizen,” he adds that it should be kept in mind that all professional drivers in international transport who work on certain routes have more than 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, and there are no others to replace them.

PU Međunarodni Transport Beograd

Serbian Transporters Association

Neđo Mandić

Schengen

EES