Finance
Western Balkans seek EU concessions for truckers as borders blocked for fourth day
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 29, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary
Western Balkans truckers maintain blockades at EU borders, demanding concessions as the EU's new entry-exit rules impact trade and economy.
Western Balkans Demand EU Solutions as Truckers Continue Blockades
Truckers' Protests and EU Negotiations
BATROVCI, Serbia, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Truck drivers in the Western Balkans maintained their blockades of cargo terminals on borders with the European Union on Thursday as regional governments asked the EU to adjust rules they say add hundreds of millions of euros to costs.
Impact on Trade and Economy
Truckers in Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia began protests on Monday against the EU's new stricter implementation of its entry-exit system under which they face detention and deportation for exceeding Schengen visit limits.
Government Responses and Solutions
The same day, EU spokesperson Markus Lamert said the bloc was working on a new visa strategy for highly mobile professions like truck drivers, athletes or artists, but the drivers have kept up the pressure.
Montenegro's Position
At the Batrovci border crossing between Serbia and Croatia, an EU-member state, a mile-long column of trucks blocked the approach to the cargo terminal.
Serbia's Chamber of Commerce Insights
"I would personally like this to be over tomorrow..., but we will see what the European Commission will ... bring to us as a solution," said Dusan Andjelic, of the MS Transporter trucking company.
Blockades halted freight along the key corridor linking the EU to Turkey and the Middle East.
Serbia's Chamber of Commerce head Marko Cadez said 93% of exports from the four countries were blocked, causing daily damage of about 92 million euros ($109.95 million).
EU-based firms operating in or exporting to the region are also affected.
"For every company ... it is about 10,000 to 50,000 euros per day in penalties ... as they are not servicing customers," Cadez told Reuters in Belgrade.
In a letter sent on Wednesday to EU enlargement chief Marta Kos, Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic urged consideration of Montenegrin transporters' daily needs.
On Thursday, Montenegrin truckers lifted a blockade of the Adriatic port of Bar that had stoked fear of fuel shortages.
Cadez said Serbia was seeking a meeting with the European Commission to discuss solutions like special visas or permits.
($1 = 0.8368 euros)
(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic in Belgrade and Branko Filipovic in Batrovci; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Key Takeaways
- •Truckers in the Western Balkans continue blockades at EU borders.
- •Protests are against the EU's stricter entry-exit system.
- •Blockades are causing significant economic impact on trade.
- •Regional governments are negotiating with the EU for solutions.
- •Montenegrin truckers temporarily lifted a blockade at the port of Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Balkans seek EU concessions for truckers as borders blocked for fourth day
1What is a blockade?
A blockade is an action taken to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving a particular area, often used as a form of protest or to exert pressure.
2What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free movement.
3What are export penalties?
Export penalties are financial charges imposed on businesses that fail to comply with regulations or agreements related to exporting goods.
4What is a visa strategy?
A visa strategy refers to a plan or policy aimed at managing the issuance and regulations surrounding visas, particularly for specific professions.
5What is economic damage?
Economic damage refers to the financial losses incurred by businesses or economies due to disruptions, such as blockades or trade restrictions.
