Commissioner Magnus Brunner, in a written answer on 12 June 2026, defended the Entry/Exit System (EES) as a security milestone while acknowledging concerns from freight operators about its impact on professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans. The answer, responding to a question by MEPs Delara Burkhardt (S&D) and Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), stressed that the EES has not altered the 90-day stay rule but has strengthened enforcement, potentially affecting drivers who cross borders frequently. Brunner pointed to existing national options for long-stay visas or residence permits and signalled a possible EU extended short-stay permit, as floated in the recent Visa Strategy. He also noted that Member States can temporarily suspend biometric data collection at borders until September 2026 to ease delays. The answer offers no immediate transitional arrangement for drivers, instead pointing to ongoing discussions with Member States and partner countries. Transport operators, who have warned of disruptions and potential blockades, face continued uncertainty, while EU border security is reinforced. The Commission's stance balances security enforcement with a long-term, yet unspecified, mobility solution for professionals.