Updated EU-Ukraine road transport agreement contains clause suspending it in event of breaches - European Commission
MOSCOW. June 21 (Interfax) - The updated road transport agreement between the European Union and Ukraine introduced a safeguard clause allowing suspension of the agreement in specific geographical areas if a road transport market in this area experiences major disturbances, Ukrainian media said, citing a statement by the European Commission.
Under the new provisions, transport operators will be required to carry documents proving authorization for international carriage and compliance with the agreement, as well as documents certifying that unladen operations are directly linked to a transit or bilateral operation, as per the agreement.
They also require enhanced compliance by road haulage operators with agreement obligations, in particular addressing fraud, forgery of driver documents, and traffic safety offenses, which could lead to the loss of rights to provide transport services specified in the agreement.
The majority of the provisions in the updated agreement were drawn up in cooperation with Polish carriers and take their expectations into account, Ukrainian media cited Poland's Infrastructure Ministry as saying.
In particular, the clause that allows suspending the agreement in the event of serious disturbances to a road transport market was introduced following months-long active efforts undertaken by the Polish Infrastructure Ministry, it said.
"As a result of our joint intensive efforts, including multiple discussions held both with the European Commission and other member states, a number of important changes were introduced to the agreement," Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak said.
Poland will continue to thoroughly analyze the situation on the road transport market and will use the safeguard tools introduced by the updated agreement should such a need arise, he said.
The EU-Ukraine agreement on the carriage of freight by road, initially due to expire on June 30, 2024, has been extended until June 30, 2025, with tacit renewal for another period of six months, "unless one of the parties disagrees and has solid and clear evidence that there is a major disturbance of its road transport market."
The extension on the agreement was signed by Ukraine's Deputy Restoration Minister Sergei Derkach and EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said that the updated road transport agreement between the European Union and Ukraine provides for a number of mutual obligations regarding the availability of licenses for trucks' transport and labelling.
Ukraine's exports to the EU soared 48% after the agreement was signed a year and a half ago, compared to a similar period before its signing, and imports rose 44%, Shmygal said. This includes goods and components Ukrainian entrepreneurs need to develop domestic production, he said.
