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Lamert: The EC is committed to the problem of Balkan truck drivers and is working on it in the preparation of the new Visa Strategy

by AI | 26.Jan 2026 | Europe in brief AI

We are aware that a large number of professionals from third countries may need to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within a period of 180 days. This includes highly mobile professions, such as truck drivers, but also athletes and artists. It is also related to national rules and existing bilateral agreements. This is an issue to which we are fully committed and on which we are working and reflecting in the context of the preparations for the upcoming Visa Strategy, which we will publish this week, stated Lamert.

Markus Lamert, spokesperson of the EC for internal affairs. Photo: MIA Archive

Brussels – The European Commission is aware of the concerns expressed by transport operators from the Western Balkans, is closely monitoring the situation with the blockades at border crossings and is in contact with partners from the region, said today the EC spokesperson for internal affairs Markus Lamert.

Lamert’s statement was a response to a journalist’s question about the EC’s position regarding the blockades of border crossings to the Schengen area by Balkan carriers and their accusations that the EES system discriminates against them compared to their colleagues from the EU, as well as whether the Union plans to grant professional drivers a special status and not treat them as tourists when entering the bloc.

“We are aware that a large number of professionals from third countries may need to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes highly mobile professions, such as truck drivers, but also athletes and artists. This is also related to national rules and existing bilateral agreements. This is an issue to which we are fully committed and on which we are working and reflecting in the context of preparations for the upcoming Visa Strategy, which we will publish this week,” said Lamert.

He reiterated that the Entry/Exit System (EES) does not introduce any new regulations and no new requirements related to the length of stay in the Schengen area, but only provides better implementation of existing rules and systematic detection of irregular practices.

“According to Schengen rules, citizens of countries that do not need a visa to enter the EU have the right to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days within a 180-day period in any country. Beyond this, the stay must be covered by a visa or by national arrangements,” added Lamert.

According to him, it is important to note that these rules are not new, but have been in force for years equally throughout the entire territory of the Schengen area, and that they already provide for a certain flexibility with regard to some categories of workers. (26 January 2026)