MEPs Approve Extension of EU-Ukraine Road Transport Agreement

The Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament has given the green light to extend the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement until the end of 2025. This decision aims to continue facilitating the transport of goods between the two entities.

Initially established in June 2022, the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement has been praised for effectively addressing disruptions in the transport sector caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The extension will enable the seamless movement of goods, benefitting both Ukraine and EU hauliers.

With ongoing challenges in Ukraine’s transport sector due to Russia’s aggression, MEPs supported an 18-month prolongation of the agreement. The updated agreement includes new safeguard measures to address potential disturbances in the road transport market.

The revised agreement mandates drivers to carry specific documents for international carriage and display a sticker on their windscreen to indicate coverage under the agreement. Additionally, a safeguard clause allows for the suspension of the deal in case of significant disruptions in a particular geographical area.

Following approval by the Transport and Tourism Committee, the agreement will now proceed to a vote by the entire Parliament during the next plenary session in June. The updated agreement, in effect since June 2024, is set to expire at the end of 2025.

The EU-Ukraine road transport agreement has played a crucial role in facilitating the transport of essential goods like fuel and humanitarian aid into Ukraine, while also boosting Ukrainian exports such as grain, ore, and steel to the EU and beyond. Import volumes from the EU to Ukraine have significantly increased, underscoring the agreement’s positive impact on trade relations.