Milatović writes to Commissioner Kos over freight transporters’ issues: Pragmatic solutions are needed

The President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović has sent a letter to the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, highlighting the problems faced by professional freight transport operators due to the implementation of the ETIAS Regulation and the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), and emphasizing the need to find pragmatic solutions within the existing Schengen framework, particularly in light of blockades at border crossings and the Port of Bar in Montenegro.

As stated in the announcement, Milatović informed Commissioner Kos that professional freight transporters have expressed serious concerns regarding the practical application of the EES system, especially in relation to the 90-day stay limitation within a 180-day period.

He also pointed out that blockades of border crossings and the Port of Bar have been ongoing in Montenegro for several days, organized by freight transporters with the aim of achieving an adequate and sustainable solution to this issue.

- Milatović emphasized that Montenegro, as a frontrunner in the EU enlargement process and a country strongly committed to European Union membership, fully supports Schengen standards, as well as the importance of secure and efficient management of the EU’s external borders. At the same time, he drew attention to the concrete challenges faced by professional freight transporters from Montenegro, given the nature of their work, which involves frequent cross-border movements and may result in serious practical limitations - the statement explained.

Milatović stressed that it is the responsibility of institutions to ensure that the specific, day-to-day operational needs of Montenegrin freight transporters are adequately taken into account when applying the existing rules.

- In this context, Milatović expressed readiness to continue constructive dialogue with the European Commission and EU Member States, with the aim of defining practical arrangements that would be in line with the Schengen acquis while being fair to all interested parties. As he noted, this issue is closely linked to broader efforts to strengthen the economic integration of Montenegro and the Western Balkans with the European Union, which is a shared interest - the statement said.

As noted, Milatović expressed confidence that there is room to find a balanced approach that would preserve the European Union’s high standards while at the same time reducing unnecessary burdens on legitimate transport activities.

- In this regard, open and constructive dialogue with the European Commission and Member States was assessed as key to preserving the integrity of the Schengen system and ensuring the unhindered functioning of professional transport - the statement added.

Milatović emphasized that Montenegro remains fully committed to its European path and ready to actively contribute to finding sustainable and mutually acceptable solutions, both on this issue and on all other matters important to the country’s European integration process.