Polish Truckers Block Ukraine Border Points in Protest

Several dozen owners of transport companies blocked three major Polish border crossings with Ukraine on Monday to protest what they see as unfair competition from Ukrainian businesses. The truckers blamed the liberalization of European Union (EU) rules for a decline in their revenues.

Trucks lined up at the border checkpoint in Dorohusk, as almost all cargo traffic was blocked by protesters. The organizers of the protest demanded the restoration of fair competition rules. The protesters, wearing neon safety vests, parked their trucks on the main road, effectively blocking the route.

A banner on the vehicles outlined the protesters’ demands, with the reinstatement of entry permits for Ukrainian rivals at the top. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU waived the permit system for Ukrainian transport companies to enter the bloc. According to Polish companies, this led to an influx of Ukrainian competitors, causing a slump in their profits.

The Polish transport company owners argue that Ukrainian businesses have lower costs, such as truck servicing, driver hiring, business opening, and social insurance. This allows them to drive down prices and take away cargoes that were traditionally carried by Polish truckers.

Marek Oklinski, a transport company owner, said, “They drive the prices down and take the cargo that we used to carry.” Despite having 25 years of experience in transporting goods to Ukraine, Oklinski and his fellow truckers find it increasingly difficult to compete with Ukrainian businesses.

Ukraine expressed concern over the protest, stating that it was damaging to both countries. Kyiv’s infrastructure minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, said the border blockage harmed the interests and economies of both nations. He also mentioned that Kyiv was ready for constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.

Apart from reinstating EU entry permits, the truckers’ second major concern was the procedures when returning to Poland from Ukraine. According to co-organizer Rafal Mekler, the Ukrainian side implemented an electronic queue system that requires carriers to register to enter Poland. The waiting time is approximately 11 or 12 days, adding to the difficulties faced by transport companies.

Some hauliers even quit their jobs due to worsening conditions. Pawel Ozygala, a transport company owner coordinating the blockage in Dorohusk, mentioned that drivers cannot endure being without access to sanitary facilities for 12 days.

Protesters staged similar protests at the Hrebenne and Korczowa crossings but promised to allow passenger traffic and transport with humanitarian or military aid to pass through.

Poland’s infrastructure ministry stated that it cannot meet the demands of the protesters by reinstating the permit system for Ukrainian carriers, citing EU rules. The ministry called on the protesters to end the blockages.

For Ozygala and other truckers in Dorohusk, the protest represents a make-or-break moment. He stated, “We are still trying to fight, but by the new year it will be over – and if nothing happens, Ukraine will take over the Polish transport market.”