15:13 22 June 2025
Poland Opposes Extension of EU–Ukraine Road Transport Agreement
The European Parliament has voted in favor of extending the road transport agreement between the European Union and Ukraine until the end of 2025. However, Polish Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who voted against the measure, argue that maintaining liberalized transport rules will further undermine the competitiveness of Polish transport companies. Unlike Ukrainian carriers, Polish firms are required to comply with a wide range of EU regulations.
The Polish delegation plans to present its position to the European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism.
“Extending this agreement restricts the competitiveness of Polish transport firms. EU companies must meet strict requirements, including emission standards, driver pay, insurance, tachograph upgrades, and working hour limits, to ensure road safety. Meanwhile, these rules do not apply to third-country carriers. That’s an imbalance we cannot ignore,” MEP Elżbieta Łukacijewska said.
Originally signed in June 2022, the agreement aimed to facilitate the transportation of critical goods, such as fuel and humanitarian aid, into Ukraine and allowed for the export of Ukrainian commodities – including grain, iron ore, and steel – to the EU and beyond. The deal was set to expire in June 2024, but its application has been provisionally extended.
(Newseria)
