Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean has issued the following statement on the Poland–Ukraine border situation:
"I welcome the re-opening of the Dorohusk–Yahodyn border crossing point for freight transport, the most significant border crossing point between Poland and Ukraine.
"Its blockade since 6 November had significant consequences for Ukraine, Poland, and the EU, but first and foremost, for all the drivers caught up in the blockade.
"As I mentioned last week, the Commission has engaged directly with protesters and the national authorities on numerous occasions over the past month and proposed concrete measures to facilitate the border crossing process between Ukraine and Poland. At the same time, we remain concerned that the other three border crossing points between Poland and Ukraine continue to be blocked.
"It is vital that relevant national and local authorities take the necessary measures to ensure goods can flow through the EU's external borders. I invite all parties to work with the Commission to implement measures that increase the efficiency at the border crossing points and ensure the proper application of the EU-Ukraine Road Transport Agreement.
"We will continue to support constructive discussions that bring verified data on practical problems and continue assisting the search for pragmatic solutions. A swift end to the protests would certainly facilitate these discussions. I want to remind all involved parties of the damage these protests cause to the European economy, to the supply chains, to other road operators, and to Ukraine, a country at war. The remaining border crossing points must be unblocked without delay."
For more information:
Adalbert Jahnz
Tel.: + 32 2 295 31 56
Email: adalbert.jahnz@ec.europa.eu
Deborah Almerge Ruckert
Tel.: +32 2 298 79 86
Email: deborah.almerge-ruckert@ec.europa.eu