Technical integration of Ukrainian Railways into the EU: Challenges and opportunities

Ukraine, with its impressive transit and logistics potential, is facing an important task - integrating its railways into the European Union system. British journalist Chris White emphasizes that this process depends on a number of systemic reforms, primarily on the elimination of Russian influence on the railroad industry.

Before the outbreak of full-scale war, the functioning of the Ukrainian railroad was heavily influenced by Russian standards and operating norms. This limited the development of the industry and forced some Ukrainian companies to resort to unfortunate schemes of importing equipment. However, moving forward became possible only with the elimination of the Russian footprint and the implementation of relevant reforms.

Alyona Lebedieva, owner of the Aurum Group, notes that Ukrainian business is ready to produce its own components and equipment for the railroad, but the lack of technical documentation from Ukrzaliznytsia is slowing down the process. She asks whether this is a betrayal or negligence, as the technical documentation has long been developed but not implemented. This calls into question the role and activities of Ukrzaliznytsia, which determines the future of the industry.

An important step in the integration process is the introduction of EU standards by Ukrzaliznytsia. Many of the rolling stock does not meet modern requirements for passenger transportation, and the infrastructure and locomotives need serious repair. In order to move forward, Ukraine needs to develop its own product and establish its production - this is a primary necessity that paves the way for the integration of the Ukrainian railways into the EU.

Despite its challenges, the Ukrainian railroad has the potential to become self-sufficient. However, this is only possible if business and government work together. Chris White notes that this process is determined not only by the desire of producers, but also by the decisions of the Ukrainian authorities and the management of Ukrzaliznytsia, which remains a state monopoly that determines the future of the industry.

In February 2023, Ukrzaliznytsia launched the Railroad Ukrainization program, which provides for the elimination of imperial and Russian names, markings, and images on railroad vehicles. However, according to public data from the State Customs Service, imports of goods from Russia amounted to $3.5 million in 7 months of 2023, and most of this amount was for railway products. This emphasizes the urgency and importance of reforms in the Ukrainian railroad industry.