Polish carriers resumed blocking the border with Ukraine: reasons, consequences, and possible solutions.

On May 12, 2025, Polish carriers resumed blocking border checkpoints on the Ukrainian border, including “Dorohusk – Yahodyn.” The protesters demand the restoration of the permit system for Ukrainian carriers, canceled in 2022. This decision by the European Union, made to support Ukraine, allowed Ukrainian companies to operate without restrictions, which, according to Polish carriers, led to unfair competition and loss of orders.

Reasons for the protest

The main reason for the dissatisfaction of Polish carriers is the cancellation of the permit system, which previously regulated the number of transports by Ukrainian companies. After the cancellation of this system, the number of Ukrainian carriers increased significantly, which, according to their Polish counterparts, led to price dumping and market displacement. Protesters also express concern that many Ukrainian transport companies were created after the conflict began in 2022 and may not meet European standa...

Consequences of the blockade

The border blockade has already led to significant delays in freight transportation. Queues at the border stretch for tens of kilometers, and waiting times for truck drivers have increased to several days. This negatively affects Ukrainian exports, especially in the agricultural sector, where timely delivery of products is critical. Additionally, delivery delays can lead to contract disruptions and financial losses for Ukrainian companies.

Government response and possible solutions

Ukrainian authorities expressed concern about the situation and called for dialogue to resolve the conflict. The Polish government is also interested in a quick resolution of the issue, as the blockade negatively affects the economies of both countries. One proposed solution is the introduction of transportation quotas, which would balance the interests of both sides. Another consideration is tightening control over the activities of new Ukrainian transport companies to ensure compliance with European stand...

Conclusion

The resumption of the blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border highlights the need to revise current agreements and find compromise solutions that take into account the interests of both sides. It is essential to establish constructive dialogue between carriers and authorities to prevent further economic losses and ensure stability in the transport sector.