The European Commission has extended the “transport visa-free regime” with Ukraine for another year, with the possibility of further extension until the end of 2025. This was announced by the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean.
Extension of the “Transport Visa-Free Regime”
The signing of this document means that freight transport between Ukraine and the EU, and vice versa, will continue without requiring special permits at least until June 30, 2025. The agreement can be automatically extended for another six months with the silent consent of all parties and in the absence of significant disruptions in the automotive transportation market.
Since the signing of the agreement in June 2022, Ukraine has increased its road transport exports to the EU by about two-thirds in volume and by one-third in value. Over 300,000 additional tons of goods are exported monthly in both directions. The agreement has increased the EU’s trade balance with Ukraine by 500 million euros per month, – stated the European Commissioner.
Important! The “transport visa-free regime” has not only been extended but also updated. Specifically, transport operators must now have licenses for transportation and proper truck labeling.
Why This Is Important for Ukraine
Deputy Minister of Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure Serhiy Derkach stated that this agreement is crucial for Ukraine’s economic survival and the ability to transport military and humanitarian aid. I hope that in a year or 18 months we will meet to sign other documents, not just for the extension of the temporary solutions of this agreement, but for a permanent solution to liberalize transportation between Ukraine and the EU member states, – said Derkach.
Important! Before February 24, transportation between Ukraine and EU countries was conducted based on a fixed number of permits. In June 2022, Ukraine and the EU signed an agreement to liberalize freight transportation, ensuring the stability of transportation given the destruction of logistical routes due to the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine and eliminating the need to obtain permits.
