Regulation (EU) 2022/1280 laying down specific and temporary measures, in view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerning driver documents issued by Ukraine in accordance with its legislation

What it is

to establish specific and temporary measures regarding driver documents issued by Ukraine in accordance with its legislation, taking into account the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: in response to the military aggression against Ukraine by Russian armed forces, the EU has, since 4 March 2022, noted the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine and has offered temporary protection to the displaced people. The European Parliament adopted by 561 votes to 6, with 5 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific and temporary measures, in view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerning driver documents issued by Ukraine in accordance with its legislation. In response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, the Regulation introduces, through an urgent procedure, specific and temporary measures concerning Ukrainian driver documents . The legislative proposal is linked to the reception of Ukrainian refugees and aims at reducing the administrative requirements normally applying to third country drivers when driving within the EU. This innovative measure alleviates the administrative burden on Ukrainian refugees as regards driving documents and, at the same time, provides a harmonised approach for the duration of temporary protection. The objective is twofold: on the one hand, to contribute to the social and economic integration of Ukrainian refugees in the host Member State; on the other hand, to maintain a high level of road safety in the Union. The European Parliament's position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure amends the Commission's proposal as follows: The proposed Regulation establishes specific and temporary measures applicable to driver documents issued by Ukraine in accordance with its legislation and held by persons enjoying temporary protection or adequate protection under national law. The Regulation provides for the conditions for the recognition of driving licences and driver qualification cards issued by Ukraine, the extension of the validity of expired driver documents issued by Ukraine, the procedures for verification in case of loss or theft of driving licences issued by Ukraine, the prevention of fraud and falsification and the monitoring of its implementation by the Commission. It is clarified that this recognition is without prejudice to the application of national provisions on the restriction, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of the right to drive on the territory of that Member State, in accordance with the principle of territoriality of criminal and police laws. At the request of the holder of a driver qualification card issued by Ukraine who enjoys temporary protection, the Member State in which that holder has obtained a temporary residence permit may issue to the persons concerned the driver…

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