Land transport links with the EU have become vital for Ukrainian imports and exports since Russia invaded Ukraine. To strengthen cross-border connections, the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes were created. This study is part of the Solidarity Lanes Action Plan.
Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean explains: "By building the first EU rail gauge in Ukraine and Moldova, connecting their railways with Poland and Romania, we will bring them closer to the EU single market. With this study, we are laying the foundations for long-term solutions to help Ukraine with its post-war trade and reconstruction. Ensuring interoperability from Poland through Ukraine, Moldova and Romania will also mean a smoother, more efficient travel experience for citizens".
The study has analysed the remaining barriers, including the difference between the rail gauges used in most of the EU and those used in Eastern Europe. The Connecting Europe Facility II has recently selected nine projects for funding to improve crossing points. The Commission has also proposed to extend the Trans-European Transport Network to Ukraine and Moldova.
"Extending the standard gauge of the European railway network to Ukraine and Moldova will facilitate the movement of goods and services, help the two countries to integrate more quickly into the EU market and accelerate Ukraine's post-war recovery. The development of modern transport links is a way for us to support the economic growth of the region and to provide steady support to Ukraine and Moldova on their way towards EU integration", adds EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, responsible for the Bank's operations in Ukraine and Moldova.
As a first step, the study proposes to establish a European gauge connection from Krakow/Katowice (Poland) to Lviv (Ukraine) and from Iasi (Romania) to Chisinau (Moldova), taking into account the estimated costs, expected demand and line capacity considerations. Further extensions are also recommended. The study also looks at how the new standard gauge lines in Ukraine and Moldova will interact with the rest of the network in those states, where broad gauge will remain.
