November 2025 brought notable developments in Ukraine’s Integrated Border Management (IBM) system, reinforcing its progress toward EU alignment. The European Union updated the mechanism for suspending visa-free regimes, creating a new context for evaluating Ukraine’s adherence to visa-free benchmarks. Meanwhile, all Polish border crossing points were fully connected to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), a crucial step toward implementing the ETIAS framework.
The total passenger flow through Ukraine’s western border crossings reached approximately 2.2 million in November, down from 2.38 million in October. On the Polish segment specifically, daily traffic dropped to 20–22,000 people and 16–19,000 vehicles — the lowest figures since August. Around 1,800 trucks carrying humanitarian aid were cleared through the western border — slightly fewer than in October (1,900), continuing a gradual downward trend.
In October, customs revenues to the state budget totaled UAH 67 billion — UAH 13 billion more than in October 2024. This growth stemmed from increased imports of fuel, vehicles, natural gas, and generators.
Ukraine’s customs system continues to digitize rapidly: a new automated cargo clearance system is now operational at all road crossing points, complemented by e-services for Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) and common transit procedures. The European Commission acknowledged these advancements and recommended completing the full digital transformation of the State Customs Service.
The Interagency Working Group on IBM, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka, reviewed the implementation of the National IBM Strategy and approved the action plan for 2026. During a high-level meeting with the State Border Guard Service, FRONTEX, and EU representatives, partners also agreed on updated coordination tools — including shared risk analysis and joint response mechanisms.
Ukraine and EU member states continue to upgrade cross-border infrastructure. Major projects include the modernization of crossing points “Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké” (Slovakia) and “Porubne – Siret” (Romania). The EU is financing the restoration of a European-gauge railway to Uzhhorod and the planned construction of a new rail line to Lviv. Border roads, customs terminals, and logistics hubs are also being upgraded — investments that open new trade routes and strengthen transport corridor resilience.
