According to RIA News, Slovak road carriers have decided to halt traffic at the Ukrainian border, specifically at the Vysne Nemecke-Uzhgorod checkpoint, until the European Commission reinstates the previously cancelled permit system for Ukrainian commercial transport. The move reflects growing frustration among Slovak operators who argue that the permit framework should be restored to ensure smoother, fair access for their trucks and to safeguard predictable cross-border logistics for EU businesses. In a statement relayed by the agency, the Slovak Road Transport Association indicated it would implement the blockade starting December 1 at 15:00 local time, which corresponds to 17:00 Moscow time, until the permit system is restored.
The association stressed that the blockade would be narrowly targeted. Only trucks delivering humanitarian and military aid, as well as livestock and fuel, would be allowed entry into Ukraine. This selective approach underscores the group’s broader aim to pressure authorities while still allowing essential assistance and critical supplies to move across the border. Observers note that the protest aligns with parallel actions by truckers in neighboring countries who have voiced similar demands for duty-free or simplified access for Ukrainian transport operators.
Earlier coverage by Reuters highlighted reports that Slovak truck drivers joined the border demonstrations, joining their peers who have voiced concern over the EU’s policy framework governing Ukrainian transport. The protests are part of a wider regional conversation about balancing humanitarian obligations with the operational realities faced by carriers who navigate a complex, multi-country border regime.
Across the border, Polish truckers have expressed parallel criticisms of EU authorities, arguing that restoring the work permit system would create a more stable and predictable environment for Ukrainian logistics operators. The protests reflect a shared sense among regional carriers that cross-border movement can be hampered by policy shifts and administrative hurdles, potentially affecting supply chains and regional trade.
As the border situation evolves, observers emphasize the importance of timely communication from both national authorities and the European Commission. While the blockade is framed as a call for policy restoration, its practical impact will hinge on how quickly decisions are made, how the border gates are managed, and how humanitarian corridors are maintained to prevent disruptions to critical aid and essential goods coming from Slovakia into Ukraine.