BELGRADE – The Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community hosted a meeting in Belgrade on 15 October 2026 with representatives of Serbia’s road transport association PUMEDTRANS and authorities of Serbia to discuss challenges affecting professional drivers and international road freight operations.
Discussions focused on professional drivers’ limited stays in the Schengen area, queues at border crossings and the recognition of foreign Certificates of Professional Competence for drivers returning to work for Serbian companies. The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of European Integration and the Road Safety Agency.
Professional drivers play an essential role in connecting Western Balkan businesses with European markets. Frequent international journeys and lengthy border waits can complicate the organisation of their work, increase operating costs and affect the reliability of deliveries. Participants discussed these concerns in the context of Schengen short-stay rules and the digital recording of entries and exits through the EU’s Entry/Exit System.
The Transport Community expressed its readiness to support further dialogue and practical cooperation within its mandate and scope of work. While decisions on Schengen entry and stay conditions rest with the competent EU institutions and the authorities of EU Member States, the Secretariat remains available to convey the sector’s concerns to the European Commission and facilitate regional coordination.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities to improve border efficiency through Green Lanes, closer cooperation between border agencies and digitalisation. Continued exchanges between authorities and the industry can help identify practical steps towards more predictable freight operations and better conditions for professional drivers.
