Diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the Schengen visa and border crossing issues encountered by Turkish professional drivers during their European operations have intensified. The International Transporters Association (UND) announced that the disruptions drivers face in visa processes and the application of stay duration rules in the Schengen area are being discussed with the relevant authorities.
According to the UND statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan held separate contacts with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria to address the issue of accelerating transit between the two countries. Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat also met with Bulgarian Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev.
During a teleconference meeting between Bolat and the UND Board of Presidents, current issues in the field were discussed. The meeting evaluated not only the waiting times at border gates but also the issue of some drivers being sent back due to the "90-day stay within 180 days" rule applied in the Schengen area, and the resulting disruptions to transport activities.
ISSUE TO BE TAKEN TO THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The statement noted that Bulgarian authorities conveyed that the application in question is carried out within the scope of the EU's Schengen system and therefore there is no possibility for direct intervention at the national level. However, it was reported that the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior would take the matter to its relevant counterparts in the European Commission to request flexibility in the application.
It was also reported that Minister of Trade Bolat plans to meet with the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Turkey to raise the problems experienced by professional drivers and discuss potential facilitating measures.
The UND emphasized that they expect the implementation of concrete facilitations that take into account the professional activities of drivers to ensure that European operations can continue uninterrupted and that export cargoes can be delivered on time. The association noted that it will continue to follow diplomatic contacts and announce developments to its members and the public.
News Source: 12punto
