EUROPEAN UNION OFFERS SOLUTION: Here Are the New Rules for Truck Drivers from Serbia and the Region!

The European Union has announced a new visa strategy that, for the first time, provides a systemic solution for professional drivers from non-Schengen countries, introducing special visa regimes and extended short-term stays within the Schengen Area.

The European Commission’s strategic document notes that the existing 90-day stay within 180 days creates serious problems for sectors that rely on constant cross-border mobility. The freight road transport sector is particularly highlighted, which is of critical importance for the Western Balkans.

The Commission points out that current rules require obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit for any stay longer than 90 days, but such a system is not suited for professions that require frequent and short-term movements between member states without the intention of permanent residence in the European Union.

In this context, truck drivers from third countries are explicitly identified for the first time as a professional category for which new extended short-term stay rules could be introduced, alongside touring artists, athletes, and specialists engaged in cross-border projects.

The European Commission believes that these new visa solutions could contribute to greater labor market flexibility, stability in supply chains, and better functioning of the EU internal market, while maintaining control over migration flows.

The next steps and concrete models of the new visas will be subject to negotiations with member states in the coming period.