Ukraine and EU Agree to Extend Transport Liberalization Agreement Until 2027
Ukraine and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open and efficient transportation links by agreeing to extend the existing agreement on transportation liberalization, commonly referred to as the ‘transport visa-free’ regime, until March 2027.
This decision, announced recently by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, effectively prolongs the current arrangement, which is set to expire at the end of 2025, by an additional 15 months.
The agreement, originally signed in late June 2022, symbolizes the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing full-scale Russian invasion, facilitating smoother transit of goods and strengthening trade ties between Ukraine and the EU member states.
Official data indicates a significant increase in freight transported via road, with EU imports from Ukraine reaching 7.7 million tons in 2024 — a 13% increase compared to 2021 — amounting to €10.1 billion, up 12%.
Exports by road also rose to 7.6 million tons, with their value surging by 48% to €33.4 billion.
The latest version of the transport agreement includes provisions that allow temporary suspension of its effects in specific regions should serious disruptions occur in local vehicle transportation markets.
This flexibility aims to safeguard stability and prevent potential chaos in cross-border logistics.
Overall, the decision underscores a broader strategy of deepening economic cooperation and ensuring Ukraine’s integration into European markets despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.