Slovak hauliers join Polish blockade, urging EU to reinstate permit system for Ukrainian competitors

Slovak road hauliers have joined their Polish counterparts in blocking the main border crossing point with Ukraine, intensifying protests against what they perceive as unfair competition from Ukrainian trucking companies.

The demonstration, which began on Friday, marks a united front by the trucking industry in both countries, demanding the European Union (EU) reintroduce a permit system for Ukrainian competitors.

Polish drivers initiated their blockade on November 6, leading to a redirection of traffic through Slovakia. This influx has resulted in a logistical nightmare, with hundreds of trucks stretching for kilometers on the approach to the border.

Both Polish and Slovak truckers argue that Ukrainian peers offer services at significantly lower prices, and their ability to transport goods within the EU, rather than exclusively between the bloc and Ukraine, creates an uneven playing field.

The crux of the protest lies in the call for the EU to reinstate a permit system that once limited the number of permits granted to Ukrainian companies to operate within the bloc. European truckers are also pushing for reciprocal access, allowing them to enter Ukraine.

The permits were abolished following Russia’s invasion, and the industry has been grappling with the aftermath ever since.

Stanislav Skala, the chief of the Slovak trucking union UNAS, expressed the severity of their stance, stating, “We will block the border and let four trucks through every hour.”

This resolute approach underscores the determination of the trucking industry to be heard and addresses what they view as a fundamental issue affecting their livelihoods.

The blockade at the Vysne Nemecke/Uzhhorod crossing began as scheduled at 3 p.m. (1400 GMT) on Friday, according to reports from the Slovak news agency TASR, citing statements from several UNAS members.

Despite the disruption, assurances have been made that critical shipments, including military supplies, humanitarian aid, and perishable goods, as well as animal deliveries, will be allowed to pass through.

This coordinated action by Slovak and Polish truckers highlights the urgency and significance of their demands.

The protests bring attention to the challenges faced by European hauliers in the aftermath of geopolitical events, emphasizing the need for a balanced and fair system that ensures a level playing field for all participants in the trucking industry.

As the blockade continues, the pressure on EU authorities to address these concerns and find a resolution mounts, with potential implications for the broader transport and logistics landscape in the region.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members