The European Parliament approved the EU agreements with Moldova and Ukraine on the facilitation of cross-border transportation of goods
New EU road transport agreements with Moldova and Ukraine will replace existing bilateral transport agreements with EU countries and temporarily simplify road freight transport by allowing Ukrainian, Moldovan and European carriers to transit through each other's territories and operate between them without the need to obtain appropriate permits. These agreements are part of the EU's response to disruptions in the transport sector in Ukraine and Moldova caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As Ukraine's airspace is closed to civil traffic and maritime exports are severely restricted, Ukraine needs to find alternative road routes to export its stocks of grain, fuel, food and other related commodities, the European Parliament said in a statement. Similarly, Moldova suffers, in need of alternative transit routes through the EU and assistance in the transit of Ukrainian goods through its territory. The agreements signed by Moldova and Ukraine with the European Union will replace the existing bilateral transport agreements with the EU countries. They temporarily facilitate road freight transport, allowing Ukrainian, Moldovan and European carriers to operate without the need to obtain appropriate permits. European Parliament rapporteur Marian-Jean Marinescu said that since traditional transport routes were blocked, alternative ways had to be found to transport grain and other relevant goods from and to Ukraine and Moldova. “Thanks to the new signed agreements, we can increase the level of exports and imports by road without creating problems when crossing borders. This not only reduces the risk of a global food crisis, but is also a step towards further expansion of transport relations between the EU and these countries,” he said. Both agreements are provisionally in effect from June 29, 2022. With the green light given by the European Parliament, the agreements now also need to be formally approved by the Council of the EU. // 10.11.2022 — InfoMarket.
