The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have launched a pre-feasibility study to improve the connection of the Ukrainian and Moldovan rail networks with TEN-T. The EIB technical advisory service JASPERS is responsible for completing the study by May 2023 in close cooperation with all interested countries. It is reported by Railway Supply magazine with reference to RailwayPro.

TEN-T

Since the two countries have 1520 mm gauge rail systems, trains face difficulties crossing the border with Eastern European countries. This problem can be solved by extending the 1435 mm gauge lines across the borders from Poland and Romania to Ukraine and Moldova. The study is a key step in preparing for better communication between the EU, Ukraine and Moldova after the war.

“The study is one of the medium- to long-term measures set out in the Solidarity Lanes action plan and is also closely linked to the Commission’s July’s 2022 proposal on the extension of the TEN-T to Ukraine and Moldova rail systems. This way we are setting the scene for longer-term solutions, supporting Ukraine in its post-war trade and the reconstruction of the country, aiming, in particular, to remove the interoperability gap at borders,” the Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said.

In the direction of Romania, there was a problem with more than 100 grain carriers

In July, the EC proposed amending the TEN-T Regulation and extending the four European Transport Corridors (ETCs) to Ukraine and Moldova, which include the ports of Mariupol and Odessa, which would improve connectivity between the two countries and ensure integration with the European rail system.

The extension is secured by the revision of TEN-T maps in Ukraine, which took place in the summer. Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has proposed to remove Russia and Belarus from TEN-T maps, which has led to the downgrading of the last miles of all cross-border connections between the EU and aggressor countries on the core and comprehensive networks.

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