Nikoloski: Transporters should not be deceived by fake news

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, called on transporters from North Macedonia not to be influenced by neighboring countries and not to fall prey to false information circulating.

In an interview for the show “Vesti Plus” on “Kanal5” television, he explained that two days ago in Brussels there was no meeting, but a regular press conference, where journalists had the opportunity to ask questions of any kind, including about transporters from the Western Balkans. Nikoloski said he would urge transporters not to fall under the influence of a neighboring country that will soon hold elections. According to him, it was precisely from that country that the information was spread that a meeting was held in Brussels on September 1, and such an announcement is fake news.

The minister stressed that the biggest step in negotiations on limiting the stay of transporters in the Schengen area was taken in February this year, when the European Union decided to recognize bus and truck drivers as professionals. This means that all drivers operating in the Schengen area now have the possibility to apply for long-term visas valid throughout the EU.

He described the problem facing North Macedonia’s transporters as very serious, adding that the government shows full understanding and provides strong support, just as it has throughout the past period. According to him, the greatest progress was achieved in February, when the European Commission changed its visa strategy and recognized truck, bus, and other transport vehicle drivers as professionals. This change created space for finding a solution. Nikoloski explained that the process has two stages: first they were recognized as professionals, and with this status they gained the right to long-term visas, thus bypassing the 90-day limit within 180 days that applies to other residents who are not part of the Schengen area.

He specified that now any driver who needs to transport goods to any Schengen country can apply for a long-term visa and obtain it. Such visas are already issued by Croatia and Switzerland.

Nikoloski emphasized the importance that these visas be valid for the entire Schengen area, not just for the issuing country, because within the zone there are no borders and entry is only at the external borders for non-member countries. This, according to him, is the solution that can currently be achieved, although it would be better and easier if the EU changed the rules. He stressed that they have repeatedly requested this, but the decision does not depend on them, but on the EU, and that what they can do now, they are doing.