The European Union has extended the agreement on international freight transport with Ukraine until the end of 2025. Thanks to this, Ukrainian carriers will be able to continue delivering humanitarian aid, fuel, and export products to Europe without special permits — which is critical for the country’s economy in times of war. At the same time, the European Parliament approved a number of new requirements to strengthen control over transportation.
Drivers are now required to document the route of each trip, including transit and empty shipments. Trucks must be clearly identified with special stickers. In the absence of such signs, the carrier loses the right to use the preferences of the agreement. The EU also reserved the right to temporarily restrict the “visa-free transport” in certain countries or regions if violations or threats to local markets are detected.
The agreement, first signed in 2022, has become one of the key instruments for preserving Ukrainian exports to Europe. Its extension with tightened rules is aimed at combating unfair competition and fraud. Violation of the conditions by Ukrainian companies will result in a temporary ban on operating in the EU. The new rules will come into force after final approval by the EU Council.