Ukraine and Moldova extend “transport visa-free” regime for two more years

The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova have agreed to extend the Agreement on the Liberalisation of Freight Transport between the two countries until the end of 2027.

This decision was approved during a meeting of the Joint Transport Commission in Chișinău. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine was represented by Deputy Minister Serhii Derkach.

Thanks to the extension of the liberalisation of transport, Ukrainian and Moldovan hauliers will continue to carry out bilateral and transit freight transport by road without the need for special permits.

“Over the past year, trade between Ukraine and Moldova has increased by 12%, reaching approximately USD 1.1 billion. The liberalisation of road transport between our countries plays a significant role in this, as permit-free travel allows goods to be delivered without restrictions during transport. Additionally, Moldova is crucial for our businesses in terms of transit transport, providing access to markets in other countries. I am grateful to our Moldovan colleagues for their joint efforts in developing the economies of both nations,” said Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

As a reminder, the Agreement on the Liberalisation of Freight Transport between Ukraine and Moldova was first signed in August 2022. In 2023, the parties agreed to extend the “transport visa-free” regime until the end of 2025. This marks the second extension of the Agreement, ensuring the continuity of bilateral and transit transport.

Background

In April this year, Ukraine and the EU automatically extended the liberalisation of freight transport until the end of 2025. Overall, Ukrainian hauliers benefit from simplified freight transport conditions to 35 European countries.