How Ukraine's 'transport visa-free' deal ignited soaring trade in both directions
Photo: EPA / Darek Delmanowicz

The 'transport visa-free' agreement has significantly increased the trade turnover through automotive transport between Ukraine and the European Union by tens of percentage points. Representatives of Ukraine shared this data with the EU during the second meeting of the Joint Agreement Committee, as reported by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.

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Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov identified this agreement as one of the key outcomes of the EU's support for Ukraine in the transport sector and export logistics.

Simultaneously, the agreement has facilitated growth not only in Ukraine's exports but also in imports.

Key results of the agreement signed on June 29, 2022:

→ Automotive exports were 40% higher in 2022 compared to 2021 and are projected to be 30% higher in 2023.
→ Automotive imports were 11% higher in 2022 compared to 2021 and are expected to be 25% higher in 2023.

During the meeting, Kubrakov also mentioned that the blockade of border checkpoints, constituting a breach of the agreement's terms, had a negative impact on the Ukrainian economy and exports.

"Complete border unblocking and prevention of similar situations in the future should be a principle of economic security for our region," he stated.

The agreement on the liberalization of freight transportation by road between Ukraine and the European Union entered into force on June 29 and is valid until June 30, 2024.

Ukraine will ask for its extension, while protesters in Poland demand its cancellation.