In response to perceived unfair European Union (EU) policies towards Ukrainian competitors, Slovak truck drivers announced last Friday, they plan to join their Polish counterparts in a border blockade. The protest centers around the Vysne Nemecke border crossing with Ukraine, further escalating tensions in a region already burdened with political strife. The announcement was made via a Slovak trucker’s union Facebook post.
The union, UNAS, issued a statement calling for the EU to terminate an agreement with Ukraine, which they argue is leading to the collapse of the transport markets in Slovakia and Poland. They are pressing for interaction between the Slovak Minister of Transport, Jozef Raz, and representatives of the EU and European Commission (EC), with hopes that reevaluating the contract with Ukraine will resolve the issue.
The protesters have pledged to refrain from blocking trucks carrying humanitarian aid, military assistance, frozen food, or live animals, showing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Notwithstanding their grievances with the EU policies, the truckers assert a clear distinction between protesting EU regulations and supporting Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russian aggression.
The disputed EU-Ukraine agreement, or DCFTA, signed in 2022 and set to last until 2024, allows Ukrainian trucks to enter the EU without entry permits and utilize other transportation routes by road. The Slovak and Polish truck drivers, however, take issue with this unrestricted access, alleging it generates considerable competition due to cheaper prices for Ukrainian services and goods. The agreement can be accessed here.
As previously noted, this blockade follows similar action taken by Polish drivers. Their protest, which started last month, has the same demands as that of their Slovak counterparts—with a stipulation to maintain the blockade until January 6th if their appeals are not addressed by then. Details concerning their protest can be found here.
As of yet, neither the Polish nor the Slovak governments have intervened. However, the Slovak Transport Ministry is reportedly planning to relay the truckers’ demands to the EU leaders in Brussels, according to Reuters.
For further details about the unfolding situation, visit Jurist.