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MEPs Burkhardt (S&D) and Strik (Verts/ALE) Question Commission on EES Impact on Western Balkan Drivers

Migration, Families and Equal Opportunities · Home affairs & Migration · parliamentary_question · 2026-04-09

Two European Parliament members have raised concerns that the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) may disrupt cross-border transport from Bosnia and Herzegovina, warning of potential supply chain impacts and even blockades. In a written question submitted on 9 April 2026, Delara Burkhardt (S&D, Germany) and Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE, Netherlands) asked the European Commission to assess the system's effect on professional drivers from the Western Balkans.

The EES, which records entry and exit of non-EU nationals staying up to 90 days within any 180-day period, has been applied at Schengen land borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina since October 2025. Transport operators report that the strict 90-day rule may hinder regular cross-border transport, with delays of two to three hours already observed at some crossings. Professional drivers have announced possible coordinated regional blockades if no solution is found.

The MEPs' question contains concrete asks: they request the Commission's view on the EES impact, progress on transitional arrangements or specific solutions for professional drivers, and measures to address delays and the risk of disruptions, including potential blockades. The question highlights that over 60% of the region's trade is with the EU, meaning disruptions could affect supply chains, economic cooperation, and the free movement of goods — key elements of EU accession.

The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it acknowledges the problem and is willing to propose exemptions or transitional measures for professional drivers, or whether it maintains the current rules. The outcome could affect EU-Western Balkans trade relations and the daily operations of thousands of drivers.

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