Transporters Protest Schengen Stay Limits in Skopje

On September 1, 2026, transport operators in North Macedonia held a warning protest in front of the European Union Delegation headquarters in Skopje. Approximately twenty trucks were parked as a demonstration against the limited stay regulations for professional drivers in the Schengen zone. This protest coincided with similar demonstrations in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, ahead of a scheduled meeting of the working group in Brussels.

The Secretary General of "Makam-Trans," Biljana Muratovska, highlighted that despite the European Union's recognition in January of the essential role played by professional drivers, no concrete measures have been implemented over the past seven months to address the 90/180 day rule. This regulation restricts the duration non-EU drivers can stay within the Schengen area, posing significant challenges for transport operators in the region.

The Ministry of Transport has expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by Macedonian transport operators and is actively working towards finding solutions to overcome the issues related to Schengen zone restrictions. The ongoing protests underscore the urgency for the European Union to address these concerns to prevent disruptions in international transport and supply chains.

As the situation develops, stakeholders are hopeful that the upcoming discussions in Brussels will lead to a resolution that balances the operational needs of transporters with the regulatory frameworks of the Schengen zone.