Ukraine and the European Union have extended for another year an agreement that cancels the need for Ukrainian carriers to obtain appropriate permits for bilateral and transit traffic to EU countries, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure, wrote on Facebook.
"In the first year, the agreement proved its practical effectiveness. Since its inception, the volume of bilateral and transit road freight has increased by more than 50%," he said.
Kurbakov noted that such projects not only help support the Ukrainian economy and find logistics solutions for exporters but also bring Ukraine closer to its main foreign policy goal of EU membership.
The Minister clarified that Ukraine, together with its European partners, is already building the necessary logistics infrastructure at the border. Thus, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, two new border crossing points have been opened on the border with Romania, as well as a control point at a temporary infrastructure for empty trucks on the border with Poland.
It also became possible to expand the capacity of the Krakivets-Korchova border crossing point and streamline the operation of the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing point with Poland.
On 14 June 2022, Ukraine and the European Commission delegation signed a special agreement on the liberalisation of road transport, known as the 'transport visa-free regime', which is designed to address the problem of international transport permits' shortage. With the accession to international customs conventions and the launch of relevant legislative changes, Ukraine was to fulfil 81% of its obligations under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement in the customs area.