The Situation Center Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has provided emergency contact details for Bulgarian citizens who may be affected by large-scale transport sector protests in the region. Should they require assistance or encounter emergency situations, our compatriots can contact Bulgarian embassies and consulates in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Montenegro, as well as the ministry's 24-hour hotlines: +359 2 948 24 04; +359 2 971 38 56; +359 893 339 616, or via email at Crisis@mfа.bg.

The upcoming strikes are scheduled for September 14 and are organized by international carriers and heavy-duty truck drivers from the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The protest front is expected to expand with the inclusion of transport companies from Montenegro and the Republic of North Macedonia, the MFA reports.

The protesters' main goal is to block all entry and exit terminals for heavy-goods vehicles at land border crossing points (BCP) in the aforementioned countries. The restrictions will also affect crossings bordering Schengen Area member states, which directly includes the borders with Bulgaria.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Bulgarian citizens, especially professional heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to exercise caution when planning travel through the territories of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Drivers are advised to strictly monitor the latest traffic information and, if circumstances permit, to consider using alternative detour routes.