Polish HGVs prevented from entering Russia

2.2.2011

Question for written answer E-001117/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Konrad Szymański (ECR)

As of 15 January 2011, the agreement between Poland and Russia concerning special authorisations for international goods transport by road ceased to apply. Talks aimed at concluding a new agreement have thus far come to nothing, as Russia is refusing to agree to the conditions that Poland is proposing. Experts estimate that after 15 January over 1 000 Polish HGVs were stuck at Russia’s borders with Belarus, Ukraine, Latvia and Estonia. Hauliers are losing around PLN 130 million a week. Polish hauliers also provide services enabling other EU Member States to trade with Russia. Around 10 000 Polish HGVs operate on the EU-Poland-Russia route every year.

Does this situation not justify a response from the Commission under Title III, Article 12 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Russian Federation, in which the parties confirm that the principle of freedom of transit is essential and that they shall provide for freedom of transit through their territories of goods originating in the customs territory or destined for the customs territory of the other party?

What is the Commission’s stance on the Russian Federation’s interpretation of Title VII, Article 70 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Russian Federation, which stipulates that the parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation in the field of transport?

What steps can the Commission take to help resolve this contentious issue?

OJ C 286 E, 30/09/2011