Montenegro: Drivers under growing pressure from Schengen rules
Professional drivers from Montenegro continue to face serious difficulties because of the rules governing stays in the Schengen Area. Citizens of third countries may generally spend no more than 90 days in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period.
For truck drivers, the rule is especially difficult because their permitted days are not used for holidays or private travel but during ordinary work. Industry representatives say drivers can use up their entire allowance in less than three months simply by carrying out international transport operations.
Exceeding the permitted stay can have serious consequences, including fines, deportation or entry bans. Transport companies are therefore calling for a special arrangement that takes account of the specific nature of professional cross-border road transport.
CEFTA says it is closely following the situation, speaking with businesses and trying to raise the issue through international networks in which it participates. The organisation says the problem is not only about drivers but can also affect trade, supply chains and delays at borders with the European Union.
Croatia has introduced a mechanism intended to allow longer stays for certain transport operations. Montenegrin industry representatives say, however, that it mainly applies when goods are transported to or from Croatia and does not solve onward travel to countries such as Slovenia, Italy, Austria or Germany.
The European Commission has previously said the general 90/180-day rule cannot simply be extended by a political decision. A different legal basis, such as a national long-stay visa or residence permit issued by an EU member state, would be required.
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