EC PROPOSES ROAD TRANSPORT AGREEMENTS WITH UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA
On 6 April, the European Commission sent two recommendations for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in order to conclude road freight transport agreements between the EU and both countries. This initiative seeks to secure supply chains, including food security, following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine which has closed traditional transport routes.
The agreements would provide more flexibility for road freight transport, allowing Ukrainian, Moldovan and EU hauliers to transit through and operate between each other's territories. The proposal also includes clauses on the recognition of Ukrainian driving licences and certificates of professional competence to further support Ukrainian drivers. The agreements should be limited in time and apply for as long as the impact of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine on transport infrastructures and operations remains severe.
These transport agreements would allow Ukraine to shift important export goods from sea routes, currently unavailable due to the blockage of the Black Sea ports by Russian forces. Moldova is also heavily affected by this blockage, losing essential transport routes through Ukraine for its own exports, with significant impact on its economy.
Source: European Commission