Legal grounds for visa-free transport with the EU have been approved іn Ukraine

The Ukrainian government has approved a document that establishes the legal basis for the continued full implementation of the Agreement on "transport visa-free" travel with the European Union. As stated by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, under an agreement with European partners, the Agreement will be extended until the end of June 2025, and currently, all parties are working to make it indefinite.

The Prime Minister reminded that the "transport visa-free" regime is a liberalization of freight transport, allowing Ukrainian companies to transport goods to Europe without special permits. According to him, this saves money and time, as well as expands access for Ukrainian goods to European markets. Until now, the implementation of this Agreement has contributed to a significant increase in the number of carriers. As noted by the Deputy Minister of Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure of Ukraine, Serhiy Derkach, in an interview with "Ukrinform," the Agreement has allowed us to more than double the number of carriers and vehicles. Overall, during the full-scale invasion, the increase in road logistics by 45% in exports and 44% in imports has become a key economic component for Ukraine. Moreover, the growing trust in Ukrainian carriers abroad has encouraged foreign companies to actively use their services.

We would like to remind you of the timeline of events regarding the establishment of a transport visa-free regime between the EU and Ukraine. Ukraine signed the relevant agreement with the EU in June 2022. In September of the same year, it was approved by Zelensky, and in November, the European Parliament ratified it; however, the agreement came into effect even before the ratification processes were completed. The "Solidarity Lanes" between Ukraine and the EU were created as an alternative to shipping routes in the Black Sea after Ukrainian ports were blocked by Russia. This allowed additional trucks to transport essential cargo to Ukraine. The signed document simplified the recognition of Ukrainian drivers' licenses. Ukraine and the EU exempted holders of driver's licenses issued by either party from the requirement to have an international driving permit. Valid certificates of professional competence for driving in the EU are also recognized. 

However, the "transport visa-free regime" led to protests from Polish carriers in November 2023. Ultimately, Poland sought to make amendments to the agreement between Ukraine and the EU. In March of this year, the European Commission proposed to extend the transport agreement with Ukraine until the end of 2025, but with some changes taken into account.