Ukrzaliznytsia and ERA Sign Cooperation Memorandum for Rail Safety

Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at enhancing safety and improving the interoperability of Ukraine’s railway system with the European network, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The document was signed by the Chairman of the Board of Ukrzaliznytsia, Yevgeny Lyashchenko, and the Executive Director of ERA, Josef Doppelbauer, highlighting Ukraine’s commitment to integrating with Europe in the field of railway transport.

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The cooperation covers several key areas. First, support will be provided in implementing European safety standards and technical interoperability specifications (TSI).

This includes adapting Ukrainian railway infrastructure to the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), which will create conditions for safe and seamless operations on international routes.

Second, active knowledge exchange and best practices are planned. Ukrainian experts will be able to learn from their European colleagues, facilitating Ukraine’s integration into the Single European Railway Area.

Certification issues, rolling stock maintenance, and mutual access to infrastructure will also be in focus.

The signing of the memorandum coincides with the preparation of a new Ukrainian law ‘On Railway Transport.’

This law is expected to lay the foundation for further harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU standards.

ERA will also provide technical support in the industry’s reform process, including safety and cross-border operations certification.

This partnership is a crucial step in enhancing Ukrzaliznytsia’s competitiveness and demonstrates the company’s commitment to meeting the high safety standards adopted in Europe.

The allocation of nearly €43 million from the EU for integration projects confirms the seriousness of the parties’ intentions and will accelerate the modernization of Ukraine’s railway sector.

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