Brussels, 10 April 2025
The European Union and Ukraine have extended their Road Transport Agreement until 31 December 2025. The agreement facilitates Ukraine’s access to global markets by enabling smoother transit through EU countries and strengthening trade links with the EU market.
Since the Agreement’s implementation on 29 June 2022, it has significantly boosted road trade between Ukraine and the EU, benefiting both economies.
Thanks to its extension in June 2024, there has been a further boost in trade.
Since the Agreement came into force, EU imports from Ukraine by road have increased by 42% in volume and 28% in value, while EU exports to Ukraine grew by 37% in volume and 50% in value. This expansion in trade underscores the Agreement’s effectiveness in fostering economic cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.
Background
The Agreement between the EU and Ukraine has yielded significant results since its application. Notably, Ukrainian road exports have substantially increased, resulting in over 200,000 additional tonnes of goods being exported monthly to the EU.
Likewise, Ukrainian imports from the EU have risen by 200,000 tonnes per month.
Originally signed on 29 June 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Agreement facilitates Ukraine’s access to global markets by enabling smoother transit through EU countries and strengthening trade links with the EU market.
On 20 June 2024, the Agreement was extended until 30 June 2025, with a provision for automatic six-month renewals, unless one of the parties raises an objection at least three months in advance and provides clear evidence of major disruptions to its road transport market.
Originally introduced to mitigate the impact of lost transport routes and markets in eastern Ukraine due to the Russian aggression, the Agreement is crucial in supporting the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, facilitating the transport of vital goods like fuel and humanitarian aid, while enabling Ukrainian exports such as grain, ores, and steel to reach the EU and beyond.
The 20 June 2024 extension introduced measures for stronger enforcement by Member States and mechanisms to address market disturbances, including a dedicated working group for compliance monitoring.
A similar agreement exists between the EU and Moldova.
*: updated on 10 April 2025 – 14.05
Source – EU Commission