Strengthening Connectivity: EU Extends and Updates Road Transport Agreement with Ukraine Until End of 2025
- maria tsaousi
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
On June 3, 2025, the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism voted to extend and update the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement, a key instrument in maintaining the flow of essential goods during wartime. Originally signed in June 2022 in response to the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the agreement has played a crucial role in mitigating the logistical disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict.
With 32 votes in favour, six against, and two abstentions, committee members approved an 18-month extension of the agreement, ensuring its validity through December 31, 2025. The extension reflects the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s economy, resilience, and connectivity with the Single Market.
Facilitating Vital Trade and Humanitarian Support
The EU-Ukraine road transport agreement allows hauliers from both sides to operate across each other’s territories without requiring additional permits, removing bureaucratic barriers that previously restricted cross-border movement. Since its inception, it has enabled the delivery of critical imports such as fuel, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In turn, it has allowed Ukrainian exports — particularly grain, steel, and ore — to continue flowing to EU and global markets despite disruptions to traditional trade routes such as the Black Sea.
According to the European Commission, the agreement has helped increase Ukraine’s road export volumes by approximately two-thirds. Imports from the EU into Ukraine have surged by about 300,000 tonnes per month.
Key Updates to the Agreement
In response to operational and regulatory challenges, the updated version of the agreement introduces several new provisions:
Documentation Requirement: Drivers must now carry documents verifying their eligibility under the agreement.
Identification Measures: Vehicles engaged in international transport under the agreement must display a sticker on their windscreen to aid enforcement.
Safeguard Clause: A new mechanism allows the temporary suspension of the agreement in specific geographical areas experiencing major disturbances in the road transport market.
These adjustments are designed to improve enforcement, ensure fair competition, and safeguard regional transport stability while maintaining the agreement’s core objectives.
Next Legislative Steps
Following the committee’s endorsement, the full European Parliament is expected to vote on the proposal during its June 2025 plenary session. Meanwhile, the updated provisions have been provisionally applied since June 2024, allowing their benefits to be realized in real time.
A Strategic Partnership in Practice
The EU-Ukraine road transport agreement is more than a logistical arrangement — it is a strategic partnership in action. By ensuring stable and efficient transport routes, the EU continues to demonstrate tangible support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, economic recovery, and integration with the European market.
As the war in Ukraine persists, extending and refining this agreement stands as a critical measure for both humanitarian aid and economic continuity. It highlights the essential role that transport policy plays in times of crisis and reaffirms the EU’s broader commitment to solidarity, resilience, and long-term cooperation with Ukraine.
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