Carriers from Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are preparing a blockade of border crossings with Schengen countries starting tomorrow, which will also affect the Bulgarian border. This was reported by BNT.
What is the reason for the dissatisfaction and how will it affect Bulgarian carriers, who have already suffered serious losses due to the blockades of Greek farmers?
The reason for the blockade, which is expected tomorrow, is the introduction of the European rule "90 out of 180" - professional drivers from third countries can stay in the EU only 90 days within 180 days **** - professional drivers from third countries can only stay in the EU for 90 days in any 180-day period. The rule comes into effect from 10 April as part of the European Entry/Exit System.
Transport associations warn that the measure makes drivers' work virtually impossible. This is also confirmed by the Union of International Carriers, indicating that tomorrow's protest will lead to significant losses for transport companies and will continue until February 2.
The carriers advise their colleagues to use alternative routes through other countries, which, however, will increase costs and further burden the sector.
"Why is this happening - it is happening because of the introduction of the European system, which concerns all third-country nationals, who within 180 days have the right to stay for only 90 days, which as a limit for transport workers, truck drivers from third countries is a very short period and they cannot comply with it", said Emil Nikolov from the Union of International Carriers:
"The idea is to accept them as cross-border workers, and not as tourists on a general basis. There will also be losses due to the detour," he added.