Slovak truckers to join Polish blocking of Ukraine crossing to regulate 'unfair' competition

Slovak truckers, in solidarity with their Polish counterparts, have announced plans to block the main border crossing with Ukraine starting from December 1.

The move is part of a broader protest against Ukrainian truckers, echoing similar actions taken by Polish truckers since November 6, Delo.Ua reported as both groups are advocating for stricter conditions on Ukrainian drivers to regulate competition.

The primary grievances of Polish and Slovak truckers revolve around allegations that Ukrainian truckers offer services at lower prices and transport goods within the European Union (EU), rather than confining their operations to the transportation between the EU and Ukraine.

The protests by Polish truckers began with demands for the EU to reintroduce a permit system for Ukrainian truckers entering the bloc, as well as for EU truckers entering Ukraine. They have suggested exemptions for humanitarian aid and military supplies.

The ongoing protests, which have resulted in significant disruptions, with over a thousand lorries stranded for days in lengthy queues, are having economic repercussions. Ukraine states that the protest is negatively impacting its fragile wartime economy by impeding exports and halting the entry of essential supplies like motor vehicle gas (LPG).

The move comes amid the Slovak government announcing it planned to extend and expand the ban on Ukrainian agricultural products, according to an Agriculture Ministry proposal that was approved on November 29, according to Kyiv Independent.