European Commission Adopts Visa Strategy: Professional Truck Drivers to Be Recognized as a Special Category

(Patria) - The European Commission today adopted the first EU Visa Strategy, which finally recognizes professional truck drivers as a special category, paving the way for resolving the issue of stay in the Schengen area.

The adoption of this strategy will be the starting point for future resolution of the long-standing problem for carriers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose current regime does not allow them to stay in Schengen for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period.

In a post on the X platform, Head of the EU Delegation Luigi Soreca welcomed this European Commission strategy, emphasizing that it aims to strengthen security, including stronger monitoring of existing visa-free regimes, but also to boost prosperity and competitiveness by making legitimate travel easier, faster, and more predictable.

"The EU and its member states, together with partner countries, will work on exploring pragmatic solutions to reduce difficulties for professionals who rely heavily on mobility across Europe.

They will also explore the introduction of new legislation with a specific set of rules for extended short stays at the EU level. This is particularly relevant for professional drivers from BiH and the Western Balkan region, but also for others, such as traveling artists or athletes," Soreca stated.

The @EU_Commission adopted today the first EU Visa Strategy.

The Strategy aims to strengthen security, including through stronger monitoring of existing visa-free regimes, but also boost prosperity and competitiveness by making legitimate travel easier, faster and more…

— Luigi Soreca (@LSorecaEU) January 29, 2026

The adopted document emphasizes the importance of partnership, stating that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a neighbor and a country on its path to the EU, will remain a key partner in a time defined by increasing mobility.

The goal is to ensure common security, economic growth, and competitiveness by facilitating the movement of labor, which is vital for the economy.

The European Commission has presented a new strategy, laying the foundation for a visa policy adapted to contemporary challenges, such as geopolitical competition and growing mobility.

The focus is on four pillars: strengthening security within Europe, boosting economic competitiveness, expanding global influence, and preserving the EU's strategic values and reputation.

One of the key steps is full digitalization. Travelers who do not need a visa will use the ETIAS system from the end of 2026, which will automate pre-travel checks.

For those who need a visa, the process will be available online.

Furthermore, the introduction of multiple-entry visas with extended validity for trusted travelers is planned, aiming to stimulate the economy and reward those with a clean travel history.

Brussels has officially confirmed for the first time that the current Schengen regime is not sustainable for professional truck drivers from non-EU countries.

The Commission has announced the creation of specific solutions that will meet the real needs of this sector.

Along with the Strategy itself, a Recommendation on attracting innovative talent, researchers, and students was adopted to make Europe more competitive in the global labor market.

While changes are being announced in Brussels, the situation on the ground remains tense. Members of the Consortium Logistika BiH have been protesting at the EU border crossings for the fourth consecutive day, demanding an urgent resolution of the carriers' status.

Truckers from Montenegro have abandoned their protests after reaching an agreement with their government.

The Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH, Edin Forto, also commented on this decision by the European Commission, stating, among other things, that this is not a victory for today, but for the period ahead when it will be easier to discuss in Brussels.