Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, addressed a letter to the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, pointing out the problems faced by professional freight transporters due to the implementation of the ETIAS regulation and the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES).

In the letter, Milatovic highlighted the need to find pragmatic solutions within the existing Schengen framework, bearing in mind the blockades of border crossings and the Port of Bar in Montenegro. 

He informed Kos that professional freight transporters have expressed serious concern about the practical application of the EES system, particularly regarding the limitation of stays to 90 days within a 180-day period.

“He also pointed out that Montenegro has been witnessing blockades of border crossings and the Port of Bar for several days, organized by freight transporters, with the aim of achieving an adequate and sustainable solution to this issue,” Milatovic wrote.

According to him, as a frontrunner in the enlargement process and a country strongly committed to EU membership, Montenegro fully supports Schengen standards, as well as the importance of secure and efficient management of the Union’s external borders.

In this context, Milatovic expressed readiness to continue constructive dialogue with the European Commission (EC) and EU member states in order to define practical arrangements that would be in line with the Schengen acquis, while also being fair to all interested parties.