Extension of the agreement
On September 25, 2025, Ukraine and the European Union agreed to extend the Agreement on the Liberalization of Freight Transport for another 15 months — until March 2027.
The agreement allows Ukrainian carriers to conduct bilateral and transit transport without special permits, easing logistics and boosting trade flows.
Impact on trade
According to Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, the results speak for themselves:
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55% increase in road exports since the agreement entered into force,
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positive impact on the economies of both Ukraine and the EU,
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strengthened role of road transport as the backbone of Ukraine’s export logistics.
What changes by 2026
To keep the regime in place and align with EU standards, Ukraine must implement several reforms by the end of 2026:
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Reputation requirements for transport companies, ensuring compliance with EU norms.
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Introduction of smart tachographs — digital devices that monitor driver work and rest times.
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Mandatory training of transport company managers.
From July 1, 2026, all new trucks in Ukraine must be equipped with smart tachographs.
Why it matters
The extension guarantees Ukrainian exporters predictable and simplified access to EU markets, crucial in wartime conditions when sea and air transport remain under pressure. At the same time, aligning with EU technical and regulatory standards is a step toward integration into the EU single market.
