Building Bridges: A Path to Cooperative Border Management
Amidst border tensions between Ukraine and Poland, both governments are actively engaged in discussions to establish joint customs and border control measures, aiming to streamline processes and ensure mutual licensing for the export of agricultural products.
Key Developments
- Technical consultations took place on Friday in preparation for the signing of an agreement on joint customs and border control, with the Polish side set to submit the document for consideration by the European Commission.
- Cooperation between Ukraine and Poland faces various challenges, including the need to address issues such as the liberalization of freight transportation, crucial for Ukraine’s economic sustainability.
- The European Commission is considering extending the agreement on freight transportation liberalization, with proposed modifications. Ukraine emphasizes the importance of transparent, understandable, and measurable criteria without limitations on its carriers.
- While the border is not blocked by carriers, Polish farmers have staged protests, causing disruptions at checkpoints such as Nižankovychy-Malhovice, where long queues of trucks have formed, leading to the suspension of vehicle registrations in the e-Cherz system.
- Minister of Agriculture of Poland, Ch. Siekierskyi, expresses hope for the implementation of mutual licensing for agricultural exports between Ukraine and Poland, aiming to mitigate potential negative impacts on the country’s agricultural sector.
- Polish officials report significant transit volumes of Ukrainian agricultural products through Poland in 2024, including wheat, corn, and rapeseed.
Border Tensions and Demands
- Since February 9, Polish farmers have blockaded the border, demanding restrictions on the import of inexpensive agricultural products from Ukraine, increased support for domestic livestock production, and the cancellation of the EU’s “Green Deal” strategy.
As discussions continue between Ukraine and Poland, stakeholders closely monitor developments, seeking collaborative solutions to ensure smooth trade flows and address the concerns of all parties involved amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.