Ukraine's First EU-Standard Railway Line Opens, Connecting the Country to the European Union

Strategic Insights -

A historic milestone has been achieved in Ukraine as the country has opened its first railway line based on the European Union's standard track width. The 22 km line, which connects the western Ukrainian cities of Uzhhorod and Chop, is a significant step towards Ukraine's integration with the European Union. Funded by a €28.6 million European Investment Bank (EIB) loan and an EU grant under the Connecting Europe Facility, the new line has a gauge of 1,435 mm, the standard for trans-European rail networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new 22 km railway line connects Uzhhorod and Chop, facilitating freight and passenger rail connectivity with EU countries.
  • The line has a gauge of 1,435 mm, the standard for trans-European rail networks, reducing rail travel journey times and increasing the volume of goods transported by rail.
  • The project is part of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative to establish new transport routes and improve existing ones in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
  • The line was funded by a €28.6 million EIB loan and an EU grant under the Connecting Europe Facility.
  • The new track has significantly improved logistics and trade between Ukraine and the European Union.
  • This is a historic step towards EU integration, and Ukraine's future inside the European Union.
  • The project has also provided employment opportunities and contributed to Ukraine's economic development.
  • The European Union has offered technical assistance to Ukraine through the EIB's JASPERS advisory team.
  • The line is the first step in a plan to build 1,435 mm gauge tracks to Ukrainian cities such as Chernivtsi, Lviv, and Kovel.
  • The European Union is offering backing for the development of a European standard gauge railway connecting Poland with Lviv, with an additional €76 million grant support provided in July.
  • The Ukraine Facility will provide predictable financing of €50 billion for Ukraine's recovery and EU integration from 2024 to 2027.
  • The new line has been co-financed by an EIB loan guaranteed by the Ukraine Facility and a grant from the European Commission's Connecting Europe Facility transport programme.

Statistics:

  • €28.6 million: The EIB loan amount for the project.
  • €110 million: The total amount of non-reimbursable support provided by the European Commission for the integration of the Ukrainian and EU railway systems.
  • €76 million: The additional grant support provided by the European Commission for the development of a European standard gauge railway connecting Poland with Lviv in July.
  • €50 billion: The total amount of financing provided by the Ukraine Facility for Ukraine's recovery and EU integration from 2024 to 2027.
  • 1,435 mm: The gauge of the new railway line, which is the standard for trans-European rail networks.
  • 22 km: The length of the new railway line.
  • 2026: The year in which the section of the line will be electrified.
  • 2-3 years: The estimated timeframe for the completion of the European-gauge line towards Lviv.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank. (2022, September 5). Joint Stock Company JSC Ukrainian Railways inaugurates railway line built to Europe's track width standard with funding from the European Union. European Investment Bank.
  • European Investment Bank. (n.d.). The EIB in Ukraine. European Investment Bank.
  • European Commission. (n.d.). The Connecting Europe Facility. European Commission.
  • European Commission. (n.d.). Ukraine Facility. European Commission.