Polish truckers are threatening to block all border crossings with Ukraine starting in November due to excessive competition after the liberalization of international transport between Ukraine and the European Union.
From November, Polish truckers will initiate protests and blockades at the Ukrainian border crossings in a move that threatens to disrupt border traffic potentially until the end of the year.
The announcement was made on social media by “Ukravtoprom,” the Association of Motor Vehicle Producers of Ukraine, citing the International Transport Association of Ukraine.
“The protest action is planned for a period of two months. The reason for the protests is the excessive competition after the liberalization of international transport between Ukraine and EU countries,” the message read.
Polish truckers argue that relaxed regulations towards non-EU registered HGVs have given Ukrainian companies the edge over Poles, experts from the International Transport Association of Ukraine revealed.
The first meeting of the participants has been confirmed with local authorities near the Korczowa checkpoint, scheduled for Nov. 3.
Polish company representatives are reportedly demanding immediate changes, including a return to the permit system for Ukrainian carriers, restrictions on registering companies in Poland if the financial means are not based in the European Union, and stricter transport regulations for non-EU companies.
In addition, Poles are demanding the creation of separate lanes for empty vehicles, which currently have to wait for hours at the border.
