Slovakian truckers blocked a checkpoint on the Ukrainian border

On November 16, Slovak transport companies organized a blockade of the only border crossing point with Ukraine for trucks. The initiators of the blockade expressed their protest in this way in connection with the alleged unfair competition from Ukrainian transport enterprises. The action was organized at the Uzhgorod-Vyshne Nemetskoe checkpoint; it was also aimed at supporting Polish colleagues who organized a similar blockade on the border with Ukraine.

Stanislav Skala, head of the Unas transport association, described the blockade as “precautionary” because the action was initially expected to last only one hour. However, truckers are raising concerns about a possible permanent blockade that could affect not only trucks but also cars if their demands are not met.

The main demand of Slovak and Polish truckers is the restoration of mandatory permits for Ukrainian trucks to enter the European Union. These permits were revoked after the outbreak of hostilities in order to support the Ukrainian economy. Transport companies in border countries are expressing concern about competition from Ukrainian carriers, who have sharply stepped up their activities.