NEWS     2.03.2026

Ukraine – EU Rail Integration: Legal Aspects, Infrastructure Alignment, and Recent Developments

Ukraine has started to bring its railway system closer to the European network. The process focuses on aligning legal, technical and safety frameworks with European Union (EU) requirements for cross-border rail transport.

For historical reasons, Ukraine’s railway network was developed using the 1520 mm broad gauge, which remains standard across the post-Soviet region. In contrast, the EU operates predominantly on the 1435 mm standard gauge. As a result, trains cannot operate directly across the EU-Ukraine border. In practice, cargo is transferred between wagons or wheelsets are changed before the train can continue.

The ongoing reform aims to address these limitations by developing selected standard-gauge connections between Ukraine and the EU, while gradually adapting domestic railway regulation to EU interoperability and safety requirements. This process is linked to Ukraine’s integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The current approach does not involve rebuilding the entire Ukrainian railway infrastructure. Instead, standard-gauge lines are being developed along key corridors connecting Ukraine with neighbouring EU Member States. This enables direct connections on strategic routes, while much of the network will continue to operate on the existing broad-gauge system.

Legal Framework

Ukraine’s integration into the EU railway system is based on the gradual alignment of its legislation with the EU legal framework for rail. This includes, in particular, Directive (EU) 2016/797 on interoperability and Directive (EU) 2016/798 on railway safety, which are part of the Fourth Railway Package.

Ukraine is not an EU Member State. However, according to the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Ukraine has committed itself to aligning its legislation with key elements of EU transport law, including technical standards, safety requirements, and market access rules. This process is supported by the European Commission and is carried out in cooperation with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA).

In practice, Ukrainian regulations are being adapted to incorporate EU concepts such as technical specifications for interoperability (TSIs), common safety methods and harmonised procedures for placing vehicles into service. At the same time, due to differences in infrastructure and legacy systems, national rules continue to apply during the transition period, resulting in a hybrid regulation framework.

Another important aspect concerns market organisation. EU policy promotes the separation of infrastructure management from transport operations, as well as non-discriminatory access to infrastructure. Ukraine has initiated reforms in this area, although full alignment with EU requirements is still ongoing.

Planned Developments

From a technical perspective, infrastructure remains the main challenge. The difference in track gauge is the most visible barrier, but it is not the only one. Signalling systems, electrification standards and operational parameters also require gradual adaptation. One of the key developments is the construction of standard-gauge railway lines extending into Ukraine. Projects of this type are intended to provide direct connections between major Ukrainian cities, logistics hubs and the EU standard-gauge network.

At the same time, signalling systems require alignment. For new and modernised lines, ERTMS-compatible solutions, particularly ETCS, are being considered. However, national signalling systems remain in use across most of the network, which continues to limit interoperability in cross-border operations.

Electrification is another important factor. Differences in voltage systems between Ukraine and neighbouring EU Member States require technical adjustments. Operational parameters, such as train length, axle load and safety procedures, also need to be aligned. These factors directly affect capacity and the ability to run cross-border services without restrictions.

Recent developments indicate that the focus is shifting from short-term solutions to more long-term integration. One important step is the extension of TEN-T corridors into Ukraine. This brings Ukraine into the wider European transport planning system, including links to routes such as Baltic-Black Sea and Rhine-Danube.

Funding has also increased. EU instruments, including the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), together with financing from international institutions, are being used for rail projects in Ukraine. The money is mainly going to border crossings, logistics hubs and initial standard gauge connections.

Safety remains a key concern. Part of the rail network has been damaged, resulting in traffic disruptions. This is affecting project completion and means that when new infrastructure is built, its resilience must also be seriously considered.

Overall, the Ukraine-EU rail integration is no longer limited to short-term measures. Now, it is a more structured process combining legal changes and infrastructure developments, with a direction towards integration with the European railway system.

At the same time, this remains a transition phase. The legal framework is still evolving, different technical systems continue to operate, and infrastructure projects require time to complete.

Grzegorz Kłodkowski