economy
Professional drivers avoid EU tours out of fear of penalties
Although only one case of deportation of a professional driver from European Union countries has been recorded in the last few days due to exceeding the rules of stay in the Schengen area, this does not mean that the problem for our carriers has been solved. On the contrary, they warn that many drivers have started to avoid driving to the EU themselves if they are not sure they fit within the rule of a maximum of 90 days of stay in a 180-day period. Thus, the fear of fines, entry bans, and deportation has already begun to change the way transport companies operate, making it increasingly difficult for them to organize international transport and plan routes to European countries.
TL;DR
- Professional drivers from Serbia are voluntarily avoiding EU routes due to fear of exceeding the 90/180-day stay rule in the Schengen area.
- This avoidance is impacting transport companies, making international transport planning difficult and potentially reducing operations.
- Drivers are refusing tours until the situation is clarified, leading to a perceived decrease in problems but actual reduction in driving.
- The EU's treatment of Serbian professional drivers as tourists under the 90/180-day rule hinders their work and the international transport sector.
- Serbia faces a shortage of around 20,000 professional drivers (C and D categories), with over a third of existing drivers over 55.
- Transport companies are seeking a systemic solution from the EU, as bilateral agreements have not resolved the issue.
- Over 60% of Serbia's foreign trade is with EU countries, highlighting the importance of efficient international transport.