Slovak truck drivers decided to briefly block the main border crossing point with Ukraine, expressing solidarity with the protesting Poles. Their demands besides include a request to reduce the number of Ukrainian trucks entering the European Union. The hazard of blocking the border is real if this does not happen.
According to earlier announcements, Slovak carriers blocked the main border crossing between Slovakia and Ukraine, located in Vysne Nemecke, which is the only point intended for truck traffic. Slovaks, like Poles, request the restoration of the strategy of transport licences for Ukrainian drivers. It is worth noting that the Ukrainian side categorically rejects this request, and the European Commission claims that it would be contrary to the EU-Ukraine agreement.
According to Reuters, the blockade organized by the Slovaks, with the participation of Polish carriers, was symbolic, but lasted only an hour. Although short, it was a demonstration both symbolic and warning.
During his interview with Reuter's agency, the leader of the Union of Slovak Carriers UNAS, Stanislav Skala, noted that Ukrainians put force on their market, lowering prices thanks to cheaper fuel and another lower costs. In addition, it argues that they are active in activities contrary to European Union rules, which includes formal prohibitions. The scale threatened that in the absence of concrete action by Brussels, Slovak carriers would decide to block the border with Ukraine.
"We have asked the European Commission present to act immediately and to let us know within 7 or 8 days if it will do anything... Otherwise, the border will should be blocked," said Skala, quoted by Reuters. He added that so far the date of the possible start of the full blockade has not been fixed and everything depends on EU action.
At the crossing at Vyšné Nemecké on the Slovak-Ukrainian border. At the invitation of our Slovak colleagues, we participated in a informing protest. In the coming days, in parallel with the Slovak association of UNAS carriers, we will submit a applicable letter to the European Commission for... pic.twitter.com/SdgEpmSMvN
— Rafał Mekler (@MeklerRafal) November 16, 2023
It is worth noting here that the Ukrainian shrewdmen shortly after the Polish carriers began protesting on the border with Ukraine, any trucks headed for Slovakia to then enter Ukraine from this side. This caused crucial difficulties in the truck traffic and caused long queues at the Vysne Nemecke border crossing. The information provided by the Slovak Ministry of Transport shows that the police, labour inspectors and officials of the Department of Transport are carrying out detailed checks on Ukrainian trucks detained in traffic. According to the ministry, many of these vehicles do not meet established standards and do not have adequate documents. method aspects, customs documents, loading of trucks shall besides be inspected and drivers shall be checked for alcohol.
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Slovak carriers protested on the border with Ukraine. They besides endanger to block the border completely:
