Brief and to the point

Ukrainian road carriers can now carry out freight transport without bilateral and transit permits in 35 countries. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development officially announced this — the decision matters not only for business, but also for the country’s economic stability during the war.

What exactly changed

The liberalization regime covers all 27 EU countries, as well as Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Separate agreements with Montenegro, the United Kingdom and Switzerland allow transport not only to those countries but also through them to third countries. The agreement with the EU was signed in June 2022 and was extended until 2027 at the end of September.

Why it matters — rationalization

Opening access without permits reduces operating costs, shortens time for document processing, and increases the predictability of logistics chains. For exporters and importers this means faster market access, lower delivery costs and increased competitiveness of Ukrainian companies.

"The liberalization of international road freight transport is a direct support for the Ukrainian economy during the war. We are working systematically to ensure that Ukrainian carriers have stable access to international markets without unnecessary bureaucracy, permits and manual procedures."

— Oleksii Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine

Practical implications for market participants

For large logistics operators this is a chance to optimize fleets and reduce border downtime. For small and medium-sized businesses — a reduction of barriers to entering foreign markets. At the same time, Ukraine strengthens its status as a reliable transit partner for Europe and neighboring countries.

Risks and what still needs to be done

Liberalization alone does not guarantee automatic results: enforcement of transport safety standards, anti-corruption mechanisms in license issuance, and investments in infrastructure (border checkpoints, cargo scanning, dispatch systems) are needed. It is also important that state and private entities coordinate to minimize abuses.

Conclusion — a short forecast

The "transport visa-free" measure gives Ukraine a concrete tool to support exports and logistical resilience during the war. The next step is to turn this policy into a long-term advantage: investments in infrastructure, transparent rules of the game, and closer coordination with European partners. The effect of the new opportunities will be measured in kilograms of goods delivered, number of trips and euros saved — not in loud phrases.