photo: Timon91 / Flickr/IC "Latorca" to Záhony and Kiev at Budapest-Nyugati train station
Ukraine’s rail border crossings are getting a EUR 50 million boost from the EU’s top lender. With freight upgrades, cross-border terminals, and modernisation works on key TEN-T corridors, the EIB-backed rail investment is setting the track for full EU integration.
Ukraine is set to receive EUR 50 million in financial support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to modernise its key railway border crossings, enhancing cross-border transport links with the European Union. According to an official press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the funds will be directed towards border points with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, aligning with the EU’s Solidarity Lanes initiative and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
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The project aims to improve freight transport capacity and reduce bottlenecks, while also supporting passenger operations through infrastructure upgrades. The modernisation effort includes track repairs, intermodal terminal reconstruction, inspection relocation, and installation of handling equipment such as cranes.
EIB Funding and Ukraine Rail Modernisation Strategy
EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska talked about the strategic importance of the investment, stating: "With this new support, we are continuing to strengthen Ukraine’s railway infrastructure at a critical time. Upgrading border crossing points and key rail links will help remove bottlenecks, accelerate the flow of goods and support Ukraine’s deeper integration with the European Union."
According to Mindev.gov.ua, the EUR 50 million grant is part of a broader EUR 150 million EIB support package for Ukraine’s rail sector, which began in 2016. The first EUR 100 million was disbursed in 2022 to finance emergency repairs and restore basic services in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Upgrades at Key EU-Ukraine Rail Border Crossings
As noted by Mindev.gov.ua, the funding will modernise specific railway checkpoints, including:
- Yahodyn–Dorohusk (border with Poland)
- Mostyska I and II–Medyka (Poland)
- Chop–Čierna nad Tisou / Záhony (Slovakia / Hungary)
- Vadul-Siret–Dornești (Romania)
These upgrades are designed to increase throughput, reduce transit time, and improve the overall efficiency of cargo and passenger movement across Ukraine’s western borders. Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration Oleksii Kuleba described the railway as one of Ukraine’s "key lifelines," ensuring vital goods and services reach their destinations and maintaining Ukraine’s connection to the European market. "This is a vital step in rebuilding and expanding our border infrastructure. It will unlock new potential for freight flows and bring us even closer to full integration with the European Union,” said Kuleba, according to Mindev.gov.ua.
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European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos called the deal a political signal of Europe’s continued commitment to Ukraine. As reported by EEAS, she stated: "This €50 million investment... is not just an economic measure – it is a political commitment to bring Ukraine even closer to the EU by improving trade, people mobility and transport links."
The EU guarantee under the Ukraine Facility ensures risk coverage for the EIB’s investment and is part of a larger financial architecture, which includes the EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility (2024–2027) supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reform agenda.
JASPERS Advisory Support for Strategic Railway Projects
A key component of the project’s implementation is advisory support under the JASPERS programme (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions), a collaboration between the EIB and European Commission. According to Censor.net, the Ukrainian government signed a parallel agreement with the EIB to accelerate project implementation using JASPERS expertise. "JASPERS experts will help develop and implement investment projects to EU standards, particularly in transport and energy, and improve border efficiency and national strategies,” the Ministry of Economy stated.
The initiative streamlines technical procedures and provides long-term structural support in preparing infrastructure investments aligned with European practices. The advisory component is financed by an additional EUR 20 million allocated by the EIB and European Commission.
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EIB and EU Back Long-Term TEN-T Integration in Ukraine
This latest investment reflects a shift from urgent post-invasion recovery to structured, strategic development. As pointed out by Censor.net, the EIB has disbursed EUR 2.2 billion to Ukraine since 2022, with funding aimed at restoring infrastructure, securing energy supplies, and maintaining critical services. A further EUR 2 billion is expected under the Ukraine Facility mechanism.
In the words of Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine’s border railway infrastructure is not only a functional necessity but also a strategic lever for European integration. The upgrades will strengthen Ukraine’s competitiveness, facilitate exports, and expand the reach of its rail freight corridors into Central and Eastern Europe.
Source: EEAS; Censor.net; Mindev.gov.ua