Tomaš is a customs controller in Vyšné Nemecké on the Slovakia-Ukraine border, helping make sure imports and exports can move safely and efficiently between the EU and Ukraine.
"This is the biggest border crossing between the Slovak Republic and Ukraine," he says.
The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, launched in the wake of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion in 2022, are building and upgrading new transport connections between Ukraine and the EU.
The Solidarity Lanes have also created an efficient network between authorities in EU Member States, Moldova and Ukraine, which cooperates across borders to improve traffic management and streamline border checks and procedures.
"Now, after two years of conflict, the volumes are almost equal to previous levels", he says. "The Solidarity Lanes are also important for humanitarian aid to get to those in need as quickly as possible, so that it doesn't get lost in the crossing."
By ensuring trade and transport between the EU and Ukraine keep going despite Russia’s military aggression, people like Tomaš are helping to forge closer connections between us, and in turn play an essential role in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
