Ukrainian Railways to Adapt to EU Standards: What Will Change

The government of Ukraine has supported a bill on the safety and interoperability of railway transport, developed by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development. The main goal of the document is to bring the Ukrainian railway in line with European standards and legislation.

'Its goal is to enhance traffic safety, ensure technical compatibility with the European system, and make Ukrainian railway transport part of the unified European space,' the Ministry of Development noted.

The bill provides for the development of a modern safety management system for railway transport in accordance with European standards, risk assessment, implementation of a new rolling stock service system, and the application of European standards for train drivers' access to work.

The Path to European Standards

The implementation of the bill is part of Ukraine's fulfillment of obligations under the Association Agreement with the EU and the Ukraine Facility initiative. The General Directorates DG MOVE and DG NEAR confirmed the document's compliance with European requirements in the areas of safety and technical compatibility with European standards.

After approval by the government, the bill will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for consideration. It is expected to come into force three years after publication to adapt the industry to new standards.

The approved government bill on the safety of railway transport in Ukraine aims to bring the Ukrainian railway in line with European standards and ensure its interoperability. The document provides for the implementation of new safety and technical requirements, as well as alignment of the Ukrainian system with the European one. After the law is adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, a gradual adjustment of the industry to new requirements is expected over three years.