The trade unions of the EU countries called for a boycott of Polish carriers for the blockade of the border
8.12.2023 - 17:45
Trade associations of four EU countries called for a boycott of Polish carriers blocking the border with Ukraine.
Trade associations and chambers of several EU countries (in particular, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands and Italy) called for a boycott of Polish carriers, Ukrinform reports.
“We call on all EU companies and representatives of their respective transport sectors not to renew transport contracts and not to enter into new contracts with Polish transport companies while they continue to block the Polish-Ukrainian border,” the organizations’ open letter says.
The authors of the appeal recalled that after the Russian blockade of Ukrainian seaports, Ukraine could import and export goods only by road transport. Almost two years of full-scale war have already led to impoverishment of the population. And the blockade on the Polish-Ukrainian border has been in place since November 6, and Polish carriers plan to keep it until the end of January.
As a result of the blockade of the border in Ukraine, fuel prices have increased, and there has also been a shortage of fuel. Currently, only humanitarian and military goods can cross the border – this has led to a 40% drop in Ukrainian exports, and this is only in November. Also, two Ukrainian drivers died in a long line of cars during the blockade.
European trade associations hope that Polish carriers will quickly stop blocking the border if companies in Western Europe boycott them. The market in these countries is more important for Poland than the Ukrainian market.
The document was signed by representatives of the Belgium-Ukraine Business Club, the Ukrainian-Austrian Association, the Netherlands-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Italy.
We will remind you that more than 3,000 trucks are waiting in queues on the Polish-Ukrainian border. The largest number of trucks is observed in front of the “Shehyni” pass – 1,200 units, as well as “Rava-Ruska” – about 850.
The photo is illustrative.
