In October 2025, the European Commission instituted a new electronic system for monitoring Schengen Area border traffic, called the Exit-Entry System (EES). In response to the EES limiting their annual number of work days to 180, regional truckers commenced a border blockade three days ago. “Visas are reminiscent of harsher times when they were required, so the solution isn’t great but is acceptable,” Mandic stressed. Given that the lack of professional drivers is present not only in the Western Balkans but Europe as a whole, the 90/180 rule leaves transporters unable to find additional drivers. Moreover, the companies cannot afford the costs of paying new drivers while retaining those waiting for their filled quota to expire.