Nikolloski: Agreements with Croatia, Switzerland and Romania for Transport Operators from Macedonia

The Government and the Ministry of Transport are continuing their efforts to address the difficulties faced by transport operators from Macedonia following the implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikolloski made the statement today.

Nikolloski explained that the issue falls under the responsibility of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Nevertheless, he said the state is taking action to overcome the consequences by concluding bilateral agreements with certain countries.

He announced that Macedonia has already reached such agreements with Croatia, Switzerland and Romania. Meanwhile, intensive efforts are under way to secure agreements with Austria, Hungary and Germany as well.

Referring to warnings from some transport operators of possible protests if no solution is reached by September 1, Nikolloski said the Government remains in constant contact with transport operators’ associations. He stressed that concrete solutions are being sought through bilateral cooperation with Schengen Area countries, while describing the protest as a political solution adopted by a neighboring country.

“Our meetings are held regularly, every week or, at most, every two weeks. Cooperation is excellent. This is just one of hundreds of issues for which we are finding solutions. We are making every possible effort to address the problem caused by the introduction of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System, and the transport operators have our full support,” Nikolloski said.