Macedonian transport companies are scheduled to hold a protest on August 31 in Skopje, focusing on the restrictions placed on professional drivers within the Schengen area. The demonstration is slated to take place in front of the Delegation of the European Union from 12:00 to 14:00. The core issue driving the protest is the recent limitation imposing a stay period of 90 days within any 180-day span for professional drivers operating in the Schengen zone.
The planned action is expected to draw significant participation, involving at least 20 vehicles and a large contingent of drivers and employees originating from various cities across Macedonia. This concern is not isolated; similar protests regarding the same regulatory challenges have been organized in neighboring countries, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The timing of the protest is strategic, as it precedes the Brussels working group meeting scheduled for September 1, where the issue of professional drivers’ mobility within the Schengen area is expected to be discussed.
Until a joint resolution is achieved addressing the operational difficulties faced by transport workers, the company “Macam-trans” has indicated intentions to escalate the protest. Should negotiations fail to yield a mutual decision, the company plans to organize subsequent demonstrations at key border crossing points, underscoring the ongoing operational impact on Macedonian trade routes and the livelihoods of the drivers.
Topics: #protest #drivers #macedonian
