RHA welcomes EU recognition of hauliers’ border hurdles

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the acknowledgement by the European Commission (EC) of difficulties facing hauliers from third-party nations operating within the Schengen area, in its recently published EU Visa Strategy.

The first document of its kind to be adopted by the EC, the strategy sets out the bloc’s intention to “be better equipped for growing mobility” – a pledge the RHA says is welcome, given the increasing future impact of the new digital Entry/Exit System on British hauliers and coach operators.

In a section entitled ‘Reducing complexities’, the EU Visa Strategy acknowledges the challenges posed by the so-called ’90/180’ rule, which limits British citizens to spending no more than 90 days within any 180-day period inside the Schengen area without a visa or residence permit.

“Some third country professionals who heavily rely on mobility between member states – such as touring artists, athletes attending sporting events, experts working on cross-border projects, work-force supporting the EU industries and services or truck drivers servicing EU businesses – may require access to different member states for more than 90 days within 180 days, without needing long stay or residence in the EU,” the document said.

“This creates a complex system, which is further complicated by the existence of bilateral agreements concluded by some member states before the entry into force of the Schengen acquis, which allow nationals of specific third countries to stay beyond 90 days, but only within the territory of the member state concerned, thereby undermining the uniform application of the Schengen acquis.

“The Commission will work closely with member states to identify pragmatic solutions to accommodate extended short stays for selected categories of third-country nationals, ensuring a security and economic benefit for the Union, as well as legal clarity for travellers.

“These reflections will also explore the introduction of new legislation with a specific set of extended short-stay rules at EU level. In this context, the Commission will review the impact of existing bilateral agreements allowing extended stays, with a view to gradually phasing them out.”

The encouraging language from the EU comes in the context of increased efforts by the Starmer government to rebuild relations and collaborative structures with the bloc following Brexit, prior to which British drivers could stay within the Schengen area – which includes most EU member states and a handful of bordering nations – for indefinite periods.

RHA managing director Richard Smith said the association was encouraged by the EC’s acknowledgement of challenges that the stricter enforcement of the rule, as enabled by the Entry/Exit System, would pose for businesses – and reiterated calls for a specific derogation for road transport.

“We’re calling on the UK government to strike a deal with their EU counterparts for a professional drivers’ exemption that would mean lorry and coach drivers on international work won’t fall foul of the 90/180 rule,” he said.

“We made the case for an exemption to the EU’s trade commissioner this week too as we ramp up our campaigning.

“This would protect UK businesses who move people and goods across EU borders. It would also benefit the European businesses, supply chains and tourist destinations they serve. We’re clear that insolvencies in the UK and elsewhere are very likely without easements once EES is bedded in.

“We take heart that the European Commission’s strategy references our sector – and others relying on us – ‘may require access to different member states for more than 90 days within 180 days, without needing long stay or residence in the EU’…

“The EC clearly acknowledges the value that third-country businesses including transport bring to their economies and the challenges stricter checks will bring. This is a great opportunity for the UK government to make the case for a professional drivers’ exemption and other easements in their reset talks.”