Transporters in Montenegro end blockade of goods traffic at borders

2026-01-29 13:54:56, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Montenegrin Transporters' Association announced on Thursday that it has decided to end the blockade of border crossings for goods with the European Union, which has also affected businesses in Kosovo.

The association said that after a meeting with representatives of the Montenegrin Government, solutions were found for a considerable number of problems and that as a result it has begun to withdraw trucks from border crossings, reports Radio Television of Montenegro.

"VAT is being reimbursed within the deadline set by law. We have received guarantees that the transit period for goods imported from Montenegro will be 72 hours. We have received guarantees that the proposal for preferential work experience will be submitted to the Government for a vote," it was said after the meeting.

But, the association added that the problem with fuel excise has not been solved.

"But, we have received guarantees that all key topics with European partners, including ETIAS and excise duty on oil, will be discussed in order to stimulate us. The increase in working hours of phytosanitary inspectors will be extended," the transport representatives emphasized.

The Association of International Freight Forwarders of Montenegro blocked the borders for goods near nine border points: Debeli Brijeg, Ilino Brdo, Vra?enovi?, Ran?a, Metelka, Dobrakovo, Dra?enovc, Kulla and Bo?aj, as well as the entry and exit from the Port of Biha?.

During the protest, passengers and trucks carrying medicine, animals, explosives, and weapons were allowed to pass.

Transporters from Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia blocked several border crossings since noon on January 26, halting the flow of goods to the European Union's Schengen zone.

They are demanding a change to the regulation that stipulates that third-country nationals can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days in a 180-day period. For them, this period is too short and makes their work difficult.

The European Commission previously said it is working to find a solution that would allow professional hauliers to stay longer in the Schengen area.

Montenegrin transporters also protested because the Ministry of Finance has not accepted their requests to increase the amount of excise tax refunds for fuels that their colleagues in the region have, and they are also demanding a faster VAT refund in 30 to 60 days, because they have now been waiting for years, as well as to extend the work of customs and phytosanitary inspections.

While transporters in Montenegro announced the end of the blockade, their colleagues from the other three Western Balkan countries are also protesting.

Kosovo, which is not participating in the protest, is feeling its consequences, as most of its imports and exports are carried out through transit through these countries.

Several Kosovar businesses that Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL) spoke with are facing delays, contract risks, and financial damages.

The owners of at least two Kosovar companies said their business has been affected by the blockade.

Ramiz Gashi, head of the company "Relux", told REL on Wednesday that his company - which produces paints and facades, is experiencing immediate consequences after its products to the UK were unable to be shipped as planned.

"We could lose this buyer, which is potentially the most important one we have," Gashi emphasized to REL.

Ruzhdi Rexhaj from the company "Kalaja Epox" told REL that the order of epoxy resins from an Austrian company, already paid for and shipped, may be delayed or fail.

"What should we tell customers? We have already told them that the ordered goods will be loaded on January 27 and will arrive by the end of the week. Now, we do not know when it will arrive here, while we also have projects that we have started, hoping for this material," said Rexhaj.

Furthermore, the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry addressed a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the week-long protest could cause further consequences for Kosovo companies - including jeopardizing contracts with European partners. /REL