Ukraine has implemented the arrangements for unblocking the border with Poland agreed during trilateral talks, Serhiy Derkach, Deputy Minister of Development of Local Communities and Infrastructure of Ukraine, said on Monday.
In line with recent agreements with the European Commission and the Polish government, we have taken a number of actions to appease the demonstrators and end the protest. We’ve actually made all these agreements
– Derkach announced on TV.
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Change regarding the border blockade
The Deputy Minister noted that a change in the border blockade has already taken place, as the Uhrynów-Dołhobycz border crossing has been opened.
Derkach said that Ukraine is technically ready to open new lanes for empty means of transport in the e-queue system, which was previously promised. He pointed out that this is only possible if the border is opened.
On Monday – before the start of the EU Transport Council meeting – Polish Deputy Infrastructure Minister Rafał Weber stated in Brussels that the way the e-queue system works on the Ukrainian side of the border forces Polish carriers to wait 12 hours. 14 days before their return is unfair competition.
After several months of operation of the agreement (between the EU and Ukraine on the road transport of goods), it is clear that it has had a significant impact on the EU transport market. Polish carriers were particularly affected, although not only Polish carriers, but also Slovak and Hungarian carriers, because with the elimination of the obligation to have permits, there are definitely more Ukrainian carriers in our countries.
– reminded the Polish Deputy Minister.
What do the demonstrators expect?
Since November 6, Polish transporters have been protesting at the border crossings with Ukraine in Dorohusk and Hrebenne (Lublin Voivodeship) and in Korczowa (Podkarpackie Voivodeship), allowing several cars to pass per hour. The protesters’ demands include: Ukraine introduces a separate queue for cars returning to Poland without goods, and introduces commercial permits for Ukrainian companies to transport goods, with the exception of humanitarian aid and supplies for the Ukrainian army; suspending licenses for companies established after the outbreak of war in Ukraine and inspecting them. There is also a proposal to eliminate the so-called electronic queue on the Ukrainian side.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, said in Radio Zet that renting out empty trucks that leave for Poland via the Uhrynów-Dołhobyczów border is a gesture in the right direction, but not yet enough. He argued that on the one hand, action is needed at EU level, and on the other, action on the Ukrainian side.
gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce