Polish carriers have blocked the fourth border crossing point with Ukraine

Polish truckers and farmers initiated a continuous blockade at the Medyka border crossing with Ukraine, extending their protest against what they perceive as unfair competition from Ukrainian companies, Reuters reported.

This action, alongside three other border crossings, has resulted in lengthy queues of over a thousand lorries, disrupting trade and causing significant delays. The truckers demand the reintroduction of a permit system for Ukrainian and EU truckers, exemptions for certain essential shipments and measures against Belarusian and Russian hauliers operating in Poland. Despite the inconvenience caused, they are determined to continue their protest until their demands are met.

The blockade, initiated on November 6, is affecting the fragile economy of Ukraine by hindering exports and limiting the supply of essential goods, including motor vehicle gas (LPG). The Polish government, transitioning after recent elections, has sought exemptions for empty EU trucks from the queue system and proposed discussions at the European level. However, truckers feel that their concerns have not been adequately addressed by the government with few meaningful discussions taking place.

Amidst political changes in Poland, some parties have expressed support for the protests, while others blame the outgoing administration for the situation. The blockade at Medyka, which also involves farmers seeking continued government assistance due to low grain prices, has drastically slowed border traffic, affecting trade routes vital for Ukraine in the absence of access to Black Sea ports due to Russian control.