Traffic on key sections of the Moldovan-Ukrainian and Moldovan-Romanian borders is virtually paralyzed. On Thursday, June 25, local farmers brought heavy agricultural machinery onto the highways, blocking access to several strategically important customs checkpoints.
Situation on the border with Ukraine:
According to the General Inspectorate of Police of Moldova and numerous reports from drivers, the most difficult situation is currently unfolding in the southern direction. Tractors have completely blocked traffic on the R30 highway. Because of this, the operation of the "Tudora" (adjacent to the Ukrainian "Starokozache" ) and "Palanca" (on the Ukrainian side — "Mayaky-Udobne" ) border crossing points is blocked. Law enforcement officers are physically preventing passenger and freight vehicles from approaching the customs control zone, redirecting the entire transit flow to other routes.
Protests on the border with Romania:
The protests have covered not only the Ukrainian vector. The "Farmers' Power" association (Forța Fermierilor), which organized the strike, also blocked traffic on the western borders of Moldova with Romania. In particular, the M1 highway near the "Leușeni" checkpoint and access roads near the "Sculeni" checkpoint are blocked.
Causes of the protests:
The main trigger for mass discontent is the planned changes to Moldova's fiscal and tax policy. Farmers strongly oppose the government's intentions to increase VAT on agricultural products and machinery from the current 8% to 20% starting next year. Representatives of farming enterprises state that amid rising fuel and fertilizer prices, such tax pressure will lead to a wave of bankruptcies.
Negotiations between the protesters and government representatives are ongoing right on the highways, but the timeframe for unblocking the roads is currently unknown.
What should drivers do?
Those who are planning trips to Moldova or transit through its territory in the near future are strongly advised to completely adjust their route. Avoid traveling through Starokozache and Mayaky. To cross the border, it is currently safer to choose alternative checkpoints in the south (for example, "Reni – Giurgiulești" ) or customs in the north of the country.
Before leaving, be sure to check the current workload of the checkpoints on the "Palanca" checkpoint statistics page.