Skopje, 28 January 2026 (MIA) - Freight transport is blocked for the third day running on Wednesday due to the protest of transporters from the Western Balkans and the blocking of border crossings leading to the Schengen zone, demanding the EU to change the 90/180-day rule on electronic entry/exit system of stays in the area.

Preliminary assessments by business chambers is that daily damages from the blockade amount to EUR 100 million for the region, with truck drivers from North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina taking part in the protest.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said yesterday he expected the issue facing Macedonian truck drivers to be settled.

“I requested a phone call with the European Commission President [Ursula von der Leyen], who has been on an official trip to India. I expect to have a phone call with her these days to discuss this matter and to put it again on the table with the colleagues from the region. The EU has a Schengen mechanism it is applying and we are seeking a way to meet the demands of transporters,” said Mickoski.

Meanwhile, international bus transport drivers have also highlighted the same problem, urging European institutions to apply a fair solution that takes into account the specific character of professional transport of passengers and commodities.

"Our concerns are identical to the ones of truck drivers and we are prepared to join the protest if a favorable decision is not reached, ensuring continued international transport and protection of the economy," said Goran Trpkovski of association "Istok".

MIA file photo