The EU’s agreements with Ukraine and Moldova to facilitate the road transport of products across borders have received approval from the European Parliament.
The EU’s reaction to the interruptions in Moldova’s and Ukraine’s transportation sectors brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine includes the two new road transport agreements. In order to export its inventories of grain, gasoline, food, and other important items, Ukraine must find other transportation routes because its airspace has been barred from civilian traffic, and sea export is severely constrained.
Similar problems exist in Moldova, which requires aid in transiting Ukrainian goods via its borders as well as alternate transit routes through the EU.
The accords, which were adopted by votes of 586 for Ukraine, 1 against, and 7 abstentions, and 596 for Moldova, 2 against, and 7 abstentions, respectively, would take the place of current bilateral transport agreements with EU nations. As a result, haulers from Ukraine, Moldova, and the EU are temporarily able to operate within and across each other’s borders without the requirement for specific authorizations.
Furthermore, the agreement between the EU and Ukraine will let Ukrainian drivers to continue using their current licenses and certificates of professional competence to drive in the EU without needing to possess an international driving permit.
“With traditional transport routes blocked, we needed to find alternative ways to transport grains and other goods from and to Ukraine and Moldova,” said EP rapporteur Marian-Jean Marinescu.
These agreements allow us to grow road-based exports and imports while preventing traffic jams at the border. This not only lessens the possibility of a global food crisis but also moves the EU’s transport cooperation with these nations one step closer to development.
Both accords have been in effect proviso since June 29, 2022. Following ratification by Parliament, the EU Council must now formally approve the accords.
