Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Transport Association of Montenegro has called for urgent measures to ensure uninterrupted and efficient 24-hour operations at the Debeli Brijeg border crossing, in the interest of Montenegro’s economy and international transport.

According to the Association, Montenegrin transport operators have highlighted problems at the Debeli Brijeg border crossing, the country’s only road border crossing with the European Union.

“Although the needs of the economy and international transport require continuous operations, customs procedures at this crossing are, in practice, carried out only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., as freight forwarding companies responsible for the necessary procedures close their offices at 10 p.m. and resume work only at 7 a.m. the following day,” the Association said in a press release.

The situation is even worse during the summer tourist season, when restrictions on freight vehicles effectively reduce operating hours at the crossing to the period between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. As a result, trucks often face delays of 15 hours or more before completing customs procedures and continuing their journey to the European Union.

“Such a practice seriously undermines the competitiveness of domestic transport operators, increases operating costs, and creates unnecessary bottlenecks on Montenegro’s most important international transport corridor,” the press release reads.

The Association also expressed serious concern about the situation at the Customs Administration, saying it directly threatens the operations of domestic carriers and the competitiveness of Montenegro’s transport sector.