Economic Chamber calls for exemption from Schengen’s 90-day limit for professional drivers

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia has proposed granting transport operators a special status, distinguishing professional drivers from tourists with regard to Schengen restrictions. Daniel Matrakoski, the chamber’s coordinator for international cooperation, said the current rules represent an unsustainable administrative obstacle for the sector.

According to him, the issue is not related to migration, but to the continuity of European supply chains. He stressed that 77.5 percent of North Macedonia’s exports are shipped directly to the European Union.

“It is illogical for drivers who support European industry to be subject to the same 90-day Schengen limit that applies to tourists. Through the Chamber Investment Forum (CIF) and working contacts with the European Commission, we will participate in the CIF business platform meeting with a senior representative of the European Commission. Our request is the creation of a special status that would include professional drivers as mobile economic workers of vital importance,” said Daniel Matrakoski of the Economic Chamber.

Matrakoski explained that this solution could also be accompanied by the use of bilateral mechanisms, including long-term Type D visas with member states. He also announced that transport operators’ difficulties would be discussed at the next meeting of the region’s economy ministers, which will be held on Wednesday in Montenegro.

“The agenda includes the demands that the business community continues to repeat: the elimination of administrative barriers to trade, the unblocking of the movement of goods through the expansion of green corridors, the full harmonization and mutual recognition of trade and phytosanitary documents, as well as the gradual but faster integration of our companies into the European single market through the instruments of the Growth Plan,” Matrakoski said./Shenja/