Skopje, 11 August 2026 (MIA) - Macedonia is solving the transporters' problem with long-term visas through bilateral agreements, which are already operational with Switzerland, Croatia, and Romania, and we are working on having the same with Austria, Germany, and Hungary, says Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski.

Minister Nikoloski told Telma that the countries have been targeted as ones that Macedonian transporters make the largest exports or transit. 

"The way in which we can help is conclude bilateral agreements with Schengen members, leading to the issuance of long-term work visas for transporters. The second aspect that we have managed to agree with the European Commission is that drivers are recognized as professionals. We already have such agreements with Switzerland, Croatia, and Romania, and talks are ongoing with Austria, Germany, and Hungary. These are the countries that Macedonian exporters most often distribute their commodities to, meaning that Macedonian transporters travel to the most," says Nikoloski.

He reaffirms the Government's position that each country in the Western Balkans should solve this problem by itself.

"I have been saying this on numerous occasions. This problem should not be seen as a common problem, because Macedonia's position is different from the other Western Balkan states. We are solving it individually, and if other countries cannot solve it, then it is their problem," says Nikoloski.

The Transport Minister reiterates that the European Commission should produce a solution, and several meetings on the subject matter have already taken place, while urging transporters against succumbing to foreign propaganda, considering that the Government is working on the bilateral agreements.

MIA file photo