Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal outlined a broad plan to bolster border traffic with European Union countries, revealing that nine new automobile checkpoints are set to open along the EU frontier in the near future. He spoke about this initiative during a government meeting, with details reported by TASS. The message was clear: expanding border infrastructure is a central priority for the government as Ukraine strengthens its ties with the European bloc and improves cross-border mobility for residents and businesses alike.
Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine already operates 21 automobile checkpoints at its EU border, and plans are underway to upgrade 13 of those facilities to higher standards. The government views modernization as essential to reducing congestion, speeding up cargo and passenger flows, and enhancing safety and efficiency at border crossings. The upcoming nine checkpoints will join the existing network to create more streamlined routes for travelers and commercial traffic, a move that could have meaningful economic and logistical benefits for both Ukraine and partner states.
There are concrete plans to establish the additional nine checkpoints, the prime minister stated, signaling a sustained push to broaden the country’s border capacity. He noted that the majority of the developments will occur along the border with Poland, reflecting the close trade and travel links between Kyiv and Warsaw. The administration also announced a considerable financial commitment from Poland: a preferential loan totaling 160 million euros will be allocated to repair roads leading to the checkpoints and to replace aging equipment, ensuring that facilities can handle increased volumes reliably and safely.
In addition to physical upgrades, the government outlined a strategic aim to advance cooperation with the European Union on border and customs processes. A pilot project is planned to test a joint checkpoint staffed by personnel from both Ukraine and EU member states, with initial emphasis on the Polish-Ukrainian border. This collaborative approach is intended to harmonize procedures, accelerate inspections, and improve data sharing, which could set a precedent for broader regional cooperation in border management.
Shmyhal highlighted that Ukraine has also extended a similar proposal to the Romanian side, signaling a desire to explore bilateral and multilateral cooperation beyond the immediate Polish frontier. The push for integrated customs controls and shared operations reflects a broader strategy to facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining strict security standards across the EU–Ukraine frontier.
Previously, it was noted that three checkpoints on the Moldova–Ukraine border resumed operations after temporary interruptions, underscoring the ongoing effort to restore and modernize the nation’s border network. Taken together, these developments point to a deliberate, multi-front plan to upgrade infrastructure, align procedures with European partners, and strengthen Ukraine’s capacity for efficient border management in an increasingly interconnected region. The government’s steps are being watched by businesses and travelers alike, who stand to benefit from faster routes, clearer guidance at crossings, and more predictable transit times as new facilities come online and existing ones are upgraded.