Geneva, Switzerland: The IRU has called on the European Commission to intervene in the treatment of truck drivers at Turkish borders.
Turkey is not allowing citizens from 66 countries to enter the country and enforces 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 a letter to the commission, the IRU criticised these measures as “disproportionate” and interrupted wider Eurasian trade flows owing to the geographically strategic position of Turkey.
The IRU has also raised the issue with the newly appointed Turkish transport minister, Adil Karaismailoğlu. The IRU advocates that truck drivers 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,” Umberto de Pretto, secretary genera, IRU, said.
“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.”
