Polish carriers continue to block three checkpoints at the border of Ukraine with the EU for the second day. The main requirement of the protesting Poles was the abolition of transport visa waiver between Ukraine and the EU, and the return of the system of permits for freight transportation. This has caused the concern of the Ukrainian authorities, which claims that it is not going to return to the former system and considers the demands of Polish carriers unjustified. This was stated by the Head of the State Agency for the restoration and development of infrastructure of Ukraine Mustafa Nayem.
The agreement on liberalization of freight transportation between Ukraine and the EU was ratified and agreed by all EU member states and Ukraine. It made it possible to develop trade relations between Ukraine and the European Union, making the EU the main partner of Ukraine in foreign trade. However, before the introduction of this Agreement in 2022, the Polish side often limited the number of permits for the transportation of Ukrainian goods, which created obstacles to international trade.
In response to the requirements of Polish carriers, Ukraine emphasizes the importance of storing transport visa waiver and refuses to return the system of permits. According to the Ukrainian authorities, this agreement on liberalization of freight transportation is key for the development of trade relations between Ukraine and the EU.
However, the situation affects not only the issue of transportation, but also problems within the free trade area between Ukraine and the EU. Poland in violation of the agreement imposed a restriction on the transit of Ukrainian goods, which could harm the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainian side appealed to the European Commission to begin consultations on eliminating these problems.
Thus, the situation has caused a fierce dispute between Ukraine and Poland, and its solution may need efforts on both sides. The Ukrainian authorities insist on maintaining transport visa waiver and compliance with free trade agreements, but Polish carriers do not abandon their requirements. Thus, the situation continues to remain unresolved, and further actions of both parties can affect trade and transport relations between Ukraine and the EU.
