Ukraine and Norway Extend “Transport Visa-Free” Agreement

by Roman Cheplyk
Thursday, August 22, 2024
2 MIN
Ukraine and Norway Extend “Transport Visa-Free” Agreement

Ukraine and Norway have extended their agreement on visa-free freight transportation until June 30, 2025.

This arrangement applies to two-way and transit transportation for trucks that meet the Euro-5 emission standard or higher, provided the necessary documentation is available.


Key Points

  • Agreement Extension:

    • The agreement allows Ukrainian and Norwegian carriers to perform bilateral and transit freight transportation without the need for additional permits until June 30, 2025.
  • Eligibility:

    • The visa-free regime applies specifically to trucks that meet the Euro-5 standard or higher.
    • Drivers must carry a certificate confirming the vehicle's environmental standard, along with an extract of the transportation license.
  • Economic Impact:

    • The extension simplifies transportation conditions for businesses, fostering economic growth and cooperation between Ukraine and Norway.
  • Wider Application:

    • The "transport visa-free" agreement is part of a broader initiative, already in place with 37 countries, including EU member states, to facilitate smoother and more efficient freight transportation.

Background

  • Transport Visa-Free Initiative:

    • The "transport visa-free" agreements are designed to eliminate the need for additional permits for freight transportation between Ukraine and partner countries, streamlining cross-border logistics and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Environmental Compliance:

    • The requirement for trucks to meet the Euro-5 standard or higher ensures that the vehicles involved in these operations adhere to stringent environmental regulations, contributing to sustainability efforts in both countries.
  • Strategic Importance:

    • This extension highlights the ongoing collaboration between Ukraine and Norway in the transportation sector, reflecting a mutual commitment to economic partnership and environmental responsibility.

Implications

  • Business Benefits:

    • The extended visa-free transportation agreement is expected to lower operational costs for carriers, increase efficiency in logistics, and support the overall economic relationship between Ukraine and Norway.
  • Environmental Considerations:

    • By restricting the agreement to Euro-5 and higher standard vehicles, the countries emphasize the importance of environmental sustainability in their transportation policies.
  • Future Prospects:

    • The extension until 2025 suggests a long-term commitment to maintaining and potentially expanding these types of agreements, which could serve as a model for other countries looking to facilitate international trade.

Conclusion

The extension of the "transport visa-free" agreement between Ukraine and Norway represents a significant step in bolstering economic ties and ensuring sustainable transportation practices. With similar agreements already in place with numerous other countries, this move further integrates Ukraine into the global logistics network.

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