Western Balkans truck drivers threaten EU border blockade

Hundreds of truck drivers from the Western Balkans gathered across four countries on Monday to protest EU rules limiting non-Schengen nationals to 90 days in the Schengen area within any 180-day period. They warned they will block border crossings with the EU on September 14 if Brussels does not exempt them from these limits. The dispute has intensified with the rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System in April, which electronically tracks entries and exits. The European Commission has been in contact with Western Balkan partners, considering bilateral agreements, but drivers say no acceptable proposal has been offered. A blockade could disrupt trade, as the EU is the region's largest trading partner, accounting for over 60% of total trade. Drivers argue they enter the EU to work, not as tourists, and the 90-day limit effectively halves their working time. Previous coordinated blockades in January demonstrated their ability to disrupt trade.