Slovak Hauliers Threaten to Completely Block Checkpoint on Border with Ukraine

The Union of Road Hauliers of Slovakia (UNAS) has stated that it is ready to completely block the Vyšné Nemecké-Uzhhorod checkpoint border crossing if the permit system for Ukrainian truckers is not cancelled, although the union is aware that the path to solving the problem is not easy.

"That is why UNAS remains in a state of readiness for a strike, and if there is no other alternative to resolve the situation, UNAS is ready to block the Vyšné Nemecké-Uzhhorod border crossing in both directions completely," UNAS reported on Facebook.

The hauliers thanked the Minister of Transport of Slovakia, Jozef Raž, for raising the issue of the cancellation of the permit system for Ukrainian transporters and its impact on Slovak road transport in Brussels.

"We would also like to thank him for meeting with UNAS representatives on Thursday, 7 December, where we will also discuss the impact of this situation and seek solutions to change it," the statement said.

The blockade of the Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké checkpoint on the border with Slovakia was suspended.

Earlier, the European Commission was against the resumption of the system of issuing permits for Ukrainian hauliers, as demanded by Polish border protesters.

As reported, Slovak hauliers began an announced blockade of lorries at the checkpoint near Uzhgorod on 1 December.

The Polish hauliers' blockade has been going on since 6 November, their key demand being to bring back the permit system for Ukrainian hauliers.