Skopje, 3 February 2026 (MIA) - Tuesday's conference meeting of Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski and Deputy Minister of European Affairs Viktorija Trajkov with representatives of the European Commission, including Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), focused on long-term solutions for the problems that transporters are facing in the Schengen zone.

The meeting also involved ministers of transport, interior and European affairs from the other countries of the Western Balkans - Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania, the Ministry of Transport said in a press release.

Minister Nikoloski welcomed the European Commission's initiative aimed at overcoming the problem and highlighted the Government's position for a solution due to the need for this group of workers to do its job within the Schengen zone. While expecting a permanent solution, Nikoloski noted that the EU needs to identify the problem in the transport sector and implement specific measures as soon as possible, ensuring predictability and continued operations of transport companies.

The EC officials reaffirmed the new visa strategy of the European Union, in which transporters are acknowledged as professionals, noting they are reviewing the option of treating this group in the same way as pilots and engine drivers.

It was also confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will start in September rather than April.

The EC officials also highlighted the importance of the transport sector and its impact on the economy in general, announcing their commitment to finding a permanent and acceptable solution in the interest of all stakeholders.

The Government has already extended its full support for transporters and has undertaken all measures at its disposal towards finding a solution aimed at ensuring continued operations in international road transport, reads the press release.

MIA file photo