Shahini: The EU’s new border control system threatens the freedom of movement of Western Balkans citizens

The President of the Business Alliance from Pristina, Agim Shahini, stated that the EES border control system poses a problem not only for truck drivers but for all citizens of the Western Balkans, noting that the European Union applies different standards to them.

He said that drivers have valid reasons to be dissatisfied with the treatment at border crossings.

“This is a major problem not only for truck drivers, but for all citizens of the Western Balkans. Drivers truly have the right to complain and to block roads, because we in the Balkans are still treated as citizens outside Europe,” Shahini said.

He assessed that the European Union applies different standards to citizens of the region.

“And that is not good, because it undermines freedom of movement and human rights, because regardless of whether we live in Kosovo or in Brussels, we are people. Everyone—whether a worker or an artist, whether a businessperson or a politician—wants to live well and peacefully and to have their own views, yet the European Union applies different standards to us,” he said.

Speaking about the economic consequences, Shahini noted that blockades have a direct impact on the economy and create significant losses.

At the same time, he pointed out that the European Union pursues a strict policy toward the Western Balkans.

“However, when it comes to the Western Balkans, the European Union applies strict policies, and I believe this is contrary to European standards and human rights, regardless of which country it concerns,” Shahini concluded.