First Border Crossings Unblocked. Situation in the Balkans is Changing

After several days of truckers’ protests in the Balkans, the first signs of improvement have emerged. In North Macedonia, border crossings for freight transport have begun to be reopened, which may signal a gradual return of traffic on some international routes.

On Thursday, 29 January, in the evening hours, Macedonian transport associations announced the end of the blockades at some border crossings designated for freight transport. The decision was made following the European Commission’s announcement of a new visa strategy, which, according to the announcement, is intended to address the issues faced by professional drivers in the context of the 90/180-day rule in the Schengen area. After nearly four days of deadlock, a gradual normalization of freight traffic at North Macedonian border crossings is expected, including, among others: Deve Bair, Delčevo, Novo Selo, Dojran, Bogorodica, Medžitlija, Qafasan, Blace, Blato, and Stoenje – both for entry into and exit from the country.

At the same time, it should be emphasized that this information relates exclusively to the Macedonian side. The situation at other borders in the Western Balkans region, particularly in Serbia and at the borders with the Schengen area, remains unchanged and continues to cause significant disruptions for international transport.

List of Border Crossings Closed for Freight Traffic (as of 30 January)

⭕ Serbia – borders under blockade

⛔ Serbia – Hungary
– Horgoš – Röszke
– Kelebia – Kelebia
– Breg – Hercegszántó

⛔ Serbia – Croatia
– Batrovci – Bajakovo
– Šid – Tovarnik
– Bačka Palanka – Ilok
– Bezdan – Batina

⛔ Serbia – Romania
– Vršac – Moravița
– Đerdap (Iron Gates)

⛔ Serbia – Bulgaria
– Gradina – Kalotina
– Strezimirovci – Strezimirovtsi
– Vrška Čuka – Vrška Chuka

⛔ Serbia – North Macedonia
– Preševo – Tabanovce

⭕ Hungary – effects on the Schengen side
Closures or lack of freight clearance towards Serbia:
– Röszke
– Tompa
– Hercegszántó

✅⭕ North Macedonia – situation after the end of the protest
Freight traffic being restored/normalized:
– Deve Bair (border with Bulgaria)
– Delčevo (border with Bulgaria)
– Novo Selo (border with Bulgaria)
– Dojran / Star Dojran – Doirani (border with Greece)
– Bogorodica – Evzoni (border with Greece)
– Medžitlija – Niki (border with Greece)
– Qafasan (border with Albania)
– Blace (border with Kosovo)
– Blato (border with Albania)
– Stoenje (border with Albania)

ℹ️ The normalization of traffic is gradual – queues and limited capacity are possible.