The European Commission Threatens Sanctions Against Poland Over the Border Blockade With Ukraine

The European Commission may initiate a disciplinary procedure if the Polish government does not resolve the issue of border blockades with Ukraine.

This was reported by the Polish resource RMF24.

According to EU legislation, the Polish government shall ensure the free movement of Ukrainian trucks with goods at border crossings.

Among representatives of the European Commission, the position is spreading that the Polish government is not making sufficient efforts to resolve the problem and end the protests by Polish carriers, who are supported and likely financed by the ultra-radical anti-European party "Confederation."

Currently, the European Commission is not ready to disclose the nature of measures that may be applied to Poland, as negotiations between Poland and Ukraine are still ongoing.

"The European Commission is still in contact with the authorities of both countries, and we cannot comment on potential measures as discussions continue," said an EU spokesperson.

At the same time, according to unofficial information from RMF, a procedure for violating the EU regulations is currently being considered because the Polish side did not adhere to the liberalization of trade regulations between the EU and Ukraine, which was extended until 2024.

Recall that on November 6, Polish carriers began a blockade of the border with Ukraine at three crossing points: Korczowa — Krakovets, Hrebenne — Rava-Ruska, and Dorohusk — Yahodyn. Carriers plan to continue strikes until January 3.

As a result, long queues formed at the border.

Polish protesters have put forward a set of conditions, some of which directly or partially contradict the current EU legislation. For example, the blockaders demand the introduction of commercial permits for Ukrainian carriers, strengthening the rules of transport under the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT), and reducing transit quotas to the level before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

On November 13, Ukraine held negotiations with Polish protesters, but the parties failed to reach a compromise, and the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Serhiy Derkach, called the demands "absurd," stating that Polish carriers should turn to their government.

It is worth noting that neither the majority of Polish carriers nor the Polish authorities joined the blockade of the crossing points. However, among the active participants in the blockade is the organization "Committee for the Protection of Carriers and Employers in the Transport Sector," created a few months ago, and Rafał Mekler, the owner of a transport company and the head of the Lublin branch of the radical "Confederation," known for its connections with Russia.