A large protest by truck drivers in North Macedonia has entered its second day, with heavy vehicle traffic blocked at the Qafë Thana border crossing for more than 24 hours. As a result, trucks from all countries are unable to pass, creating long queues at the border.
Drivers from various countries, including Turkey and Bulgaria, are among those stuck at the crossing. One Turkish driver, Berat Demir, who started his journey from Istanbul, spent the night at the border hoping to cross in the morning but was unable to do so — and can’t return either. He says protestors plan to continue for up to seven days unless their demands are addressed.
Another truck driver, Nexhdet Xhanpolat, criticized the situation, saying it makes no sense to allow products like medicines with long expiration dates while refrigerated trucks are stopped. He expressed concern that the fresh produce he was transporting (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) could spoil if the blockade continues.
Protest leaders say there has not yet been an official response to their main demand — extending the allowed stay for drivers in the Schengen area from 90 days to 180 days. They warn the protest will not stop until they receive a response from the Schengen Union.
🌍 Context — Regional Truckers’ Protests Over EU Entry Rules
This demonstration is part of a broader regional protest by truck drivers from Western Balkan countries (including North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina). They are protesting the strict enforcement of new EU entry/exit rules that limit non-EU drivers to 90 days’ stay in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period. Drivers say this makes their work and livelihoods difficult — with some already deported for exceeding the limit — and they are demanding an exemption or revision of these rules.
The blockades have affected major border crossings and blocked freight movement across the region, though urgent cargo such as medicine and live animals has been allowed through in some areas. The European Commission has acknowledged the issue and said it is under review.
If you’d like, I can provide additional updates or links to related coverage as this situation develops.