Serbian Chamber of Commerce: Transport operators demonstrated responsibility toward the overall economy

The Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) welcomed the decision by transport operators to suspend the blockades, assessing that the achieved outcome demonstrates responsibility, maturity, and awareness of the broader interests of the economy and society as a whole.

“The business community and the transport sector jointly initiated the resolution of an issue that for years had not received adequate attention. The application of the 90/180 rule to professional drivers is now clearly positioned as a serious economic and logistical problem that requires a systemic solution by European Union institutions. The European Commission has presented a new visa strategy that represents a step toward resolving the problem of residence limitations for professional drivers in the Schengen Area, which is a good starting point for the long-term solution of this issue,” the PKS statement said.

The Serbian Chamber of Commerce particularly highlighted the constructive cooperation, understanding, and commitment to resolving this problem demonstrated during the process by the Cabinet of Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, the competent ministries, as well as foreign business associations operating in Serbia.

Through joint action, the consequences of this problem were clearly highlighted—not only for drivers, but also for industry, exports, supply chains, and overall economic competitiveness, the Chamber noted.

It was also added that, at the request of Serbia’s business community, an urgent session of the National Trade Facilitation Body was held today, at which it was agreed to increase Serbia’s border capacities to the maximum. In addition, counterparts in Hungary and Croatia will be officially asked for additional coordination, with the aim of reducing delays and queues at border crossings toward the EU.

“This is an important step forward and the beginning of addressing this complex issue. The Serbian Chamber of Commerce remains strongly committed to further activities, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure a sustainable and fair solution in the interest of drivers, the economy, and the stable functioning of markets in the Western Balkans and the European Union,” the PKS statement added.

Transport operators from Serbia decided today to lift the blockade at all freight terminals, which they had launched on Monday in protest against the stricter application of rules on the permitted stay of drivers in EU countries—rules that significantly hinder their work.

The decision by professional drivers to lift the blockade was also welcomed by Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, who emphasized that it represents a victory of reason, dialogue, and the work of people who connect Europe every day, and that drivers have finally been recognized as a distinct category requiring a longer stay in the EU than the standard 90 days within a 180-day period.