Transport relations were thoroughly discussed between Ukraine’s Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr OMELYAN and Commission’s Director-General for Mobility and Transport Henrik HOLOLEI last February in Kyiv, aiming at strengthening bilateral cooperation across all modes to promote better understanding and exchange of experiences. Both sides agreed on the need to speed up transport related reforms in Ukraine in the framework of the Association Agreement, and to adopt swiftly the National Transport Strategy 2030 and several key framework laws.
Minister Omelyan said: “Our goal is to give Ukraine the new quality of infrastructure and to renew Ukraine. I would like to note the constant support of the EU, both technical and financial, in the reform of the transport sector and implementation of EU legislation into national legislation of Ukraine. We strive for the formation of a common transport strategy of Ukraine together with the EU and hope for the continuation of constructive dialogue. We make real change reforming Ukraine together with EU ”.
Henrik Hololei said: “We seek better transport connectivity between the EU and Ukraine to ensure more trade, investments,, jobs and a balanced economic growth. This first Dialogue today is an essential step towards reaching those objectives and deepening transport relations with Ukraine. We look forward to the next Dialogue when we can push forward in implementing Ukraine´s Transport Strategy.”
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, but a common view emerged about the importance of developing digital infrastructures and intelligent transport systems, improving road safety, and focusing on environmental sustainability for the future of the sector, without compromising on safety and security. Considering the increase in demand, a point was especially made to stress the importance of the signing of the Common Aviation Area Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union as well as of enhancing aviation safety, particularly the issue of supervision for air carriers registered in Ukraine.
Both sides welcomed the signing in November 2017 of the High-level Understanding between Ukraine and the EU on the extension of indicative maps of the Core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to Ukraine. Considering the role played by inland waterways in Ukraine, they shared the need to reflect on its possible inclusion in the TEN-T and to coordinate efforts to resolve outstanding issues in this sector.
Both sides welcomed the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) on-going initiatives regarding transport infrastructure investment such as the railway Beskyd tumel .Such investments tangibly improve connectivity for people to people contacts and business activities.
Within meeting it was emphasized the need for the speedy adoption of draft laws aimed at European integration in the field of transport for further implementation of Ukraine’s obligations under the Association Agreement.
The Dialogue showed also the importance of a centre for rapid response to cyber incidents . Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian transport authorities under the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.
Source: European Commission
