EU and Ukraine extend road trade deal to 2027

The European Union and Ukraine have agreed to extend the validity of their current road transport agreement until 31 March 2027. The agreement, first signed on 29 June 2022, was designed to facilitate Ukraine's access to global markets by easing road transit through EU countries and strengthening trade flows between both sides. Partly liberalising road freight transport, it grants transit and bilateral transport rights to Ukrainian and EU hauliers within each other's territories.

The framework also supports the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, which enable the transport of essential goods such as fuel and humanitarian supplies, while ensuring Ukrainian exports, including grain, ores, and steel, reach EU and international markets. A key feature is the removal of permit requirements for operations under the agreement, which reduces administrative burdens for transport operators and authorities. In parallel, Ukraine is expected to progressively align its road transport legislation with EU law to create a level playing field across the sector, as requested by several Member States.

Eurostat data confirm that EU-Ukraine road trade has expanded since the agreement took effect. In 2024, EU road imports from Ukraine reached 7.7 million tonnes, an increase of 13% compared with 2021, valued at EUR10.1 billion (US£10.9 billion). Road exports from the EU to Ukraine totalled 7.6 million tonnes (+11%), with value up 48% to EUR33.4 billion (US£36.1 billion).

Neighbouring countries registered marked increases. Poland's road exports to Ukraine were 85% higher in 2024 compared with 2021, Romania's rose 124%, and Slovakia's grew 106%. Imports also increased, though more moderately, leaving all three countries with positive trade balances.

Poland recorded a surplus of EUR8.2 billion (US£8.9 billion), Romania EUR677 million (US£732 million), and Slovakia EUR803 million (US£868 million).

The extension ensures continuity for operators in both markets while maintaining trade connectivity and integration between Ukraine and the EU.

References

^ www.transport.ec.europa.eu (transport.ec.europa.eu)