The agreement was originally signed on 29 June 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Its main goal was to provide Ukraine with easier access to global markets through transit via EU countries and to strengthen trade ties with the EU market.
In practice, it means a partial liberalisation of road freight transport – carriers from Ukraine and the EU can perform transit and bilateral transport without the need for additional permits. This significantly reduced administrative burdens and improved the transport of strategic goods, such as fuels, humanitarian aid, or Ukrainian grain, ores, and steel.
Impressive trade results
Eurostat statistics confirm that since the agreement came into effect, land trade between the EU and Ukraine has increased significantly. The European Commission highlights that in 2024, road imports from Ukraine to the EU totaled 7.7 million tons (+13% compared to 2021), valued at 10.1 billion euros (+12%). Meanwhile, road exports from the EU to Ukraine reached 7.6 million tons (+11%), hitting a value of 33.4 billion euros – up 48% from 2021.
Countries neighboring Ukraine recorded particularly large increases: Poland (+85%), Romania (+124%), and Slovakia (+106%) in road exports. All three countries ended 2024 with positive trade balances.
Poland opposes extension
Although most member states supported the decision, Poland expressed opposition. As highlighted by Stanisław Bukowiec, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, supporting Ukraine should not come at the expense of EU carriers.
From the very beginning of the war, we have been providing comprehensive support to Ukraine. However, assistance should not come at the expense of entities from EU member states, including Polish transport companies – Bukowiec noted.
According to him, the current functioning of the agreement has deepened the unequal conditions for performing international road freight transport and has impacted Polish carriers, who are struggling with growing competition from Ukrainian companies.
Concerns over Brussels’ decision
Bukowiec also pointed out that the decision to extend was made without thorough analysis.
The European Commission made the decision without conducting sufficient analyses and did not consider the rational arguments repeatedly presented, including by Poland – the Secretary of State emphasized.
The Polish administration indicates that although the agreement includes control mechanisms – such as a three-stage monitoring of Ukraine’s progress in aligning transport laws with EU standards – they are too delayed to realistically restore market balance.
Monitoring and further actions
One effect of Polish pressure is the introduction of monitoring of Ukraine’s progress in aligning its law with EU regulations, which will occur in three stages: 30 January, 31 May, and 30 November 2026.
This is not the end of Polish administration’s efforts in advocating for changes in transport conditions. Monitoring and analysis of the agreement’s impact on the entire Union’s transport market will be an opportunity to advocate for equal competition conditions – summed up Bukowiec.
The extension of the EU–Ukraine agreement to 2027 is a decision that, on one hand, strengthens trade and logistical stability in the region, but on the other raises serious concerns among Polish carriers. Now, key will be not only monitoring the agreement’s effects but also effective national administrative actions on the EU forum to defend the interests of domestic transport companies.
