Ukrainian Business in Poland Seeks Answers Amid Border Blockade
Date: 2023-11-14 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: ECONOMY
The Ukrainian business community in Poland is bewildered by the absence of a reaction from Polish authorities to the border blockade imposed by Polish carriers with Ukraine. They are considering legal avenues to recover losses incurred due to this blockade.
No Response from Polish Authorities:
The Association of Ukrainian Business in Poland expressed astonishment at the silence from Polish state entities. Mr. Romanchuk, a representative, stated that they have not heard any position from Polish authorities since the start of the blockade. In response, the association wrote a letter to the Polish President, Andrzej Duda, proposing the urgent creation of a roundtable platform involving Ukrainian and Polish business representatives, employers, and government officials.
Concerns and Criticisms:
The blockade not only affects Ukrainian carriers but also causes delays for truck drivers from over 40 countries. Mr. Romanchuk criticized one of the demands from Polish strikers, highlighting the EU's right to free economic activity. He drew parallels between the border blockade and the Black Sea blockade by Russian forces.
Legal Considerations:
The Association is currently studying the legal grounds for the border blockade and the possibilities of obtaining compensation. Lawyers are exploring whether Poland, local authorities, or even the protesting carriers can be held responsible. They also pointed to the existing bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Poland for the encouragement and protection of investments, which includes provisions for compensation for damages.
Blockade Impact and Protests:
Polish carriers initiated the blockade at three major border points with Ukraine on November 6. The waiting time for entry into Ukraine for trucks at some border points has reached nearly six days (140 hours). The protest by Polish carriers is officially registered with local authorities until January 3, 2024.
Demands and Negotiations:
Among the demands presented by Polish carriers to the Polish government are the reinstatement of permits for Ukrainian carriers, reinforcement of transport rules under the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT), and restrictions on registering companies in Poland if their financial activities occur outside the EU. Ukraine is currently in talks with Poland to resolve the border blockade.
Official Response from Ukraine:
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, stated that the demands of Polish carriers to amend the Agreement on the Liberalization of Freight Transport between Ukraine and the EU (the so-called "transport visa-free regime") have no grounds and are not under consideration.
No Response from Polish Authorities:
The Association of Ukrainian Business in Poland expressed astonishment at the silence from Polish state entities. Mr. Romanchuk, a representative, stated that they have not heard any position from Polish authorities since the start of the blockade. In response, the association wrote a letter to the Polish President, Andrzej Duda, proposing the urgent creation of a roundtable platform involving Ukrainian and Polish business representatives, employers, and government officials.
Concerns and Criticisms:
The blockade not only affects Ukrainian carriers but also causes delays for truck drivers from over 40 countries. Mr. Romanchuk criticized one of the demands from Polish strikers, highlighting the EU's right to free economic activity. He drew parallels between the border blockade and the Black Sea blockade by Russian forces.
Legal Considerations:
The Association is currently studying the legal grounds for the border blockade and the possibilities of obtaining compensation. Lawyers are exploring whether Poland, local authorities, or even the protesting carriers can be held responsible. They also pointed to the existing bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Poland for the encouragement and protection of investments, which includes provisions for compensation for damages.
Blockade Impact and Protests:
Polish carriers initiated the blockade at three major border points with Ukraine on November 6. The waiting time for entry into Ukraine for trucks at some border points has reached nearly six days (140 hours). The protest by Polish carriers is officially registered with local authorities until January 3, 2024.
Demands and Negotiations:
Among the demands presented by Polish carriers to the Polish government are the reinstatement of permits for Ukrainian carriers, reinforcement of transport rules under the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT), and restrictions on registering companies in Poland if their financial activities occur outside the EU. Ukraine is currently in talks with Poland to resolve the border blockade.
Official Response from Ukraine:
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, stated that the demands of Polish carriers to amend the Agreement on the Liberalization of Freight Transport between Ukraine and the EU (the so-called "transport visa-free regime") have no grounds and are not under consideration.
