Polish truckers, government reach agreement to suspend blockages on Ukraine border until March 1

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Polish truckers have suspended their roadblock protest that began in the first week of November last year, to demand that the European Union reinstate a system requiring Ukrainian companies to obtain a permit to operate in the bloc, as well as that empty trucks from the EU be excluded from an electronic queue system in Ukraine.

Truck drivers' representatives warned that if their demands were not met, the blockages would resume on March 1, the state-run PAP news agency reported, following their agreement with the Polish government on Tuesday to reopen southeastern border town crossings with Ukraine, including Korczowa, Hrebenne, and Dorohusk.

The blockade of roads to Ukraine by Polish truckers since November 6 has harmed the Kyiv economy and caused a conflict between the two countries, the media outlet said, adding that the agreement was signed by trucker representatives and the Polish Infrastructure Ministry.

Truckers have been complaining about unfair competition from their Ukrainian peers and demanding the implementation of commercial permits for Ukrainian companies transporting goods, except those transporting humanitarian aid and military equipment.

Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak commented on the agreement, saying that Polish and Ukrainian businessmen, as well as the EU, had long awaited a consensus.

According to the minister, the sides agreed that it was necessary to monitor the implementation of the Polish and Ukrainian sides' decisions, such as the liquidation of the queue at the Malhowice-Nyzhankovychi road border crossing and the strengthening of border checks to detect goods not covered by an EU-Ukraine agreement.

"My goal is to restore balance on the Polish-Ukrainian international road transport market and secure proper protection to Polish hauliers,” Klimszak said.