31.07.2024
On 18 July, the revised Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation entered into force, aiming to improve the connectivity, efficiency, resilience and sustainability of Europe's transport infrastructure.
According to the updated regulation, Rail Baltica is part of two European transport network corridors. In addition to the North Sea-Baltic corridor, Rail Baltica is also designated as part of the Baltic Sea-Black Sea-Aegean corridor. Inclusion in these two corridors underlines the strategic importance of Rail Baltica on a European scale and facilitates future support and financing.
“The Ukrainian side positively assesses the official inclusion of Rail Baltica in another TEN-T corridor reaching Ukraine and remains committed to cooperation. This cooperation will increase the export opportunities of all the countries involved and strengthen regional connectivity, integration and security. In addition to economic benefits, Ukraine’s indirect connectivity with Rail Baltica would facilitate Ukraine’s integration into existing European transport corridors and complement its involvement in the Three Seas Initiative. We are ready to actively cooperate with Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and the European Commission in conducting feasibility studies for Ukraine’s involvement in the Rail Baltica project,” emphasized the Ambassador of the Republic of Ukraine to Latvia Anatoly Kutsevol.
“Solidarity Railways” allowed Ukraine’s exports to stabilize when Russian troops blocked Ukrainian ports. Currently, Ukrainian Railways is systematically working with EU countries to increase the capacity of transport infrastructure, primarily developing intermodal routes to the Baltic States. A strategic priority is the integration of Ukrainian Railways into the TEN-T corridors in order to connect our railway network with Rail Baltica as part of the Baltic-Black Sea-Aegean corridor. This will allow Ukraine to open new railway lines to the seaports of the European Union in the future,” said the Chairman of the Board of Ukrainian Railways Yevhen Lyashchenko.
Rail Baltica will create a functioning high-speed rail corridor that will facilitate the full integration of the Baltic States with Europe, increase military mobility and support long-term regional economic growth. In addition, the inclusion of Rail Baltica in this transport corridor is important for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Already today, the implementers of the Rail Baltica project are cooperating with Ukraine, sharing knowledge, providing insights into the development of infrastructure projects and facilitating the exchange of practical experience.
“The strategic importance of Rail Baltica is growing not only due to the geopolitical situation in Europe, but also with the expansion of the European Single Transport Network corridors and future connections to Ukraine. The Rail Baltica project is a strong foundation for the establishment of a new economic and security corridor, and cooperation and support between the Rail Baltica project implementers and Ukraine are crucial for our collective security,” said the CEO and Chairman of the Board of RB Rail AS Marko Kivila.
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