The representatives of the Association of Slovak Carriers announced their intention to join the protest at the border with Ukraine, as confirmed by lega artis. According to reports from this station, their plan involves blocking the only border crossing for trucks between Vyżny Nemeckie and Uzhhorod.
On the Polish-Ukrainian border, Polish carriers have been protesting for weeks. As a consequence of the blockade, trucks from Ukraine are not allowed to enter Poland. Now the Slovak transports are joining this protest.
According to the information, the Slovak blockade action will begin on Thursday and will proceed until further notice.
The website says that Slovak carriers from UNAS criticise the European Union for abolishing the licensing strategy for Ukrainian transport companies. In their view, the EU decision has negatively affected their situation.
Representatives from Slovakia stress that they do not intend to restrict humanitarian transport, military aid, the transport of live animals, fuel or foodstuffs. Their protest aims at expressing discontent with EU decisions and defending their own interests in the transport industry.
Polish carriers rise the alarm, arguing that Ukrainian transport companies are unfair rivals. Their proposals to reduce rates are intended to defend native companies from failure of marketplace share. The differences in service costs are mainly due to higher costs of doing business in Poland. Farmers besides joined the border blockade.
Ukrainian carriers estimated that the weekly border blockade had already cost them EUR 400 million. This protest besides strikes a country that defends itself against the possible invasion of Vladimir Putin's army. This drew the European Commission's attention.
The discussion with EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean stated that the current situation is "unacceptable". Moreover, the authoritative threatened to start a procedure against Poland in violation of EU law, which could have ended before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The Ministry of Infrastructure notes a drastic decrease in the share of Polish trucks in transport between Poland and Ukraine.
"In 2021, the participation of Polish entrepreneurs in road transport on the Polish-Ukraine way was about 38 percent, while the participation of Ukrainian carriers was 62 percent. At the end of October 2023, the share of Polish road hauliers in this kind of transport fell to about 8 percent, while the share of Ukrainian hauliers increased to 92 percent," the Ministry of Infrastructure reported.
Ignacy Michałowski
OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases. In social activities he engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people, especially those of mediocre communities. He was besides active in the fight for human rights. Contact: [email protected]
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Protest on the border with Ukraine. Slovaks join Polish carriers:
