IRU has urged the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, to intervene in the recent treatment of truck drivers at the Turkish borders.
IRU President Radu Dinescu, together with IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, addressed the EC President in a written statement yesterday to ask for her immediate and strong diplomatic intervention regarding the current measures imposed by the Turkish authorities on commercial vehicles and truck drivers coming from inside and outside the EU.
Border restrictions and strict quarantine
Turkey is currently not allowing citizens from 66 different countries to enter the country and has established strict quarantine procedures. Drivers of trucks delivering essential goods from and to the EU via Turkey are facing quarantine periods lasting 14 days at the Turkish-EU border – mainly at the Kapikule border crossing point between Bulgaria and Turkey.
In its communication to the EU, IRU criticised these disproportionate measures that not only impact trade in the region, but also interrupt wider Eurasian trade flows owing to the geographically strategic position of Turkey.
IRU further raised the issue with the newly appointed Turkish Transport Minister, H. E. Mr Adil Karaismailoğlu in a separate statement, also released yesterday.
Essential goods to combat COVID-19
With the world facing one of the worst global crises in history, IRU has been advocating strongly for truck drivers to be able to perform their vital work in the safest and most effective and efficient way possible.
“Road transport is the lifeblood of the global economy. During these difficult times, essential goods need to be able to reach those who need them most,” said Mr de Pretto. “While it is vital that countries take the appropriate measures to protect their populations, goods transport must be allowed to continue so that vital medical and food supplies can get through.”