Poland has restricted the passage of Ukrainian trucks across the border: Ministry of Infrastructure reacts
1 July 2024 11:30
On 1 July, the Polish side restricted the entry of Ukrainian trucks. The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine has appealed to the Ministry of Infrastructure of Poland to resolve the issue. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the press centre of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
“From 00:00 hrs. 01.07.2024, the Polish side has suspended the entry and exit of Ukrainian trucks that do not have permits for international freight transport (ECMT permit or carnet – ed.) at checkpoints,”
– the statement said.
It is noted that checkpoints on other sections of the border are operating as usual.
ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) licences are multilateral permits for international transport of goods, “travel permits” issued for a year and allowing carriers to carry out various types of transport in more than 50 countries.
The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine explained that the restrictions are related to the requirement of the Polish customs authorities.
“No permits are required for bilateral transport. The agreement on freight liberalisation between Ukraine and the EU came into force on the day of signing. That is, back on 20 June.”
– said Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach.
He reminded that carriers have a transitional period until 10 July to adapt to the updated rules of the agreement on freight liberalisation.
“The Polish side is aware of this, primarily the Ministry of Infrastructure of Poland. The Polish side, as well as all other EU member states, was informed through official channels about the update of the Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union,”
– said Derkach.
The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine has appealed to the Ministry of Infrastructure of Poland.
“Our colleagues assure us that they are trying to solve the problem with the customs service. We have also informed the European Commission about the suspension of truck traffic. The European Commission has already intervened in the situation and is also trying to influence the solution,”
– Derkach said.
Border blockade and trade wars
Polish farmers have started a blockade of the border with Ukraine due to the influx of Ukrainian grain, which, according to the Poles, lowers prices for their products and makes them less competitive. Farmers in Poland claim that this negatively affects their income, as Ukrainian grain is sold at lower prices, which reduces the value of local products.
The main demand of the protesters is to cancel the preferential trade regime with Ukraine and return the permit system for importing goods to Poland.
As part of the protest, Polish farmers blocked truck traffic, even transit traffic, at checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Polish border, and sometimes even the movement of freight trains across the border. On several occasions, protesters poured Ukrainian grain directly onto the ground.
At the end of April this year, Polish farmers unblocked the Rava-Ruska checkpoint on the border with Ukraine to allow trucks to pass through. At the same time, trucks transporting grain crops were still not allowed to enter Poland.
