Progress of Ukraine in the Harmonization of Transport Infrastructure with the EU: From Reforms to Challenges

In the recent Report on the implementation of the Association Agreement in the field of transport, transport infrastructure, postal and courier services, it was stated that the implementation of the Agreement for the year 2023 showed an increase of 3%. However, at this rate, Ukraine needs up to 15 years to optimize its rules with European standards. This indicates the need to accelerate reforms.

Influence of the War on the Reforms

The start of a full-scale invasion forced a halt to many reforms, including legislative ones. However, even in such conditions, it is important to continue to bring the legislation into line with EU requirements for rapid integration into the European transport system after the victory. The report covers trans-European transport networks, inland water and international maritime transport and road transport. However, reforms in the railway sector remain neglected due to the length of the process of consideration of the respective project.

Railway transport

JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” is still the only structure that controls the railway network and provides services, without the division of financial and organizational functions. The Verkhovna Rada rejected the draft laws on railway transport due to their obsolescence and non-compliance with the new EU requirements. The World Bank also requires the adoption of a new law “On railway transport”, which provides for the introduction of private traction.

The main tasks in this area include:

• Division of the activities of “Ukrzaliznytsia” into a carrier and an infrastructure operator.
• Equal access to the railway network.
• Regulation of tariffs for access to infrastructure.
• Introduction of a safety system in railway transport.

Sea Transport

In maritime transport, there is no progress in approving the relevant legislation. The legislative framework is not compatible with EU requirements, and key international conventions have not been ratified. War also limits the technical capabilities of coastal control.

River Transport

The Law of Ukraine “On Inland Water Transport”, adopted in 2020, created the legal prerequisites for the safety of shipping. However, further legislation relating to the market and dangerous goods still needs to be adopted.

Transport Networks and Electronic Document Management

At the end of 2023, Ukraine and the EU agreed on the expansion of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) cards for Ukraine, which will contribute to better transport connections with the EU. The introduction of electronic document circulation, in particular goods and transport invoices, will help reduce corruption risks and increase the efficiency of information exchange.

There is progress in harmonizing Ukrainian transport legislation with European standards, but it has slowed down significantly due to the war. It is important to continue the reforms so that after the victory, we will be ready for joining the EU and integration into the European transport system.