The transition to the European gauge of the railway from Chisinau to Europe should be carried out as a first step towards improving the railway connection between Moldova and Romania. This is the joint opinion of the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), IPN informs.
The institutions have developed a study on EU rail links with Moldova and Ukraine, suggesting the possibility of switching to European gauge railway lines in the direction of Lviv and Chisinau. It says that after Russia invaded Ukraine, land transport of these countries with the EU has become important for Ukrainian imports and exports.
The published study is part of the “Solidarity Lanes” action plan to strengthen cross-border ties. The main obstacle is the difference between the gauge used in most EU countries and the gauge used in Eastern Europe.
In this regard, EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Valyan made a statement.
“Building the first European railway track in Ukraine and Moldova by connecting their railways with Poland and Romania, the countries are approaching the single EU market. Through this research, we are setting the stage for sustainable solutions by supporting Ukraine in trade and its post-war recovery. Ensuring interoperability from Poland through Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania will also mean comfortable and more efficient movement for citizens,” she said.
EIB Vice President Teresa Cervinska, who is responsible for the bank’s operations in Moldova and Ukraine, also expressed the position of the EIB.
“The expansion of the standard gauge European rail network in Ukraine and Moldova will facilitate the circulation of goods and services, helping the two countries integrate more and faster into the EU market and accelerate Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. For us, the development of modern transport links is a way to encourage the economic growth of Ukraine. We want to provide continuous support to Moldova and Ukraine in their EU integration process,” Cervinska said.