EU Rail Investments: Poland, Ukraine, TEN-T Boost Connectivity

Introduction

The European Commission has finalized grant agreements to support substantial transport infrastructure projects across Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova, allocating nearly EUR 452 million for four projects in Poland alone. This initiative reinforces the EU’s dedication to improving regional connectivity and furthering integration within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Projects in Poland and Slovakia

In Poland, the initiative will allocate nearly EUR 452 million across four projects. These projects focus on the expansion of high-speed rail, enhancement of interoperability, and improvements to port capacity. Additionally, Slovakia will receive a combined EUR 135 million for four projects aimed at modernizing rail lines and strengthening cross-border connections with Ukraine and Czechia.

Regional Integration and Solidarity Lanes

Three key rail projects in Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova will receive over EUR 150 million in EU support to boost regional integration and connectivity. The EU and Ukraine held the 4th EU–Ukraine Transport Dialogue on 6 November in Uzhhorod. The dialogue, chaired by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba and the European Commission’s Director-General for Transport Magda Kopczyńska, reviewed progress on transport reforms, alignment with the EU transport acquis, and joint priorities for cooperation across all modes of transport. Representatives from the European Commission, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine also met in Uzhhorod to discuss ways to strengthen regional links through the Solidarity Lanes initiative.

Funding and Future Plans

The funding, announced in July 2025, is provided under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The CEF supports cross-border transport projects and initiatives under the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, which facilitate trade and logistics between the EU, Ukraine, and neighboring countries. For the upcoming financial period (2028–2034), the Commission has proposed doubling the CEF budget to over EUR 51 billion, focusing on cross-border infrastructure, high-speed rail, and military mobility.

EU-Ukraine Transport Dialogue

Launched in 2018, the EU–Ukraine Transport Dialogue serves as a strategic platform to deepen cooperation, promote interoperability, and enhance transport resilience. Since the onset of Russia’s war of aggression, the EU has prioritized strengthening alternative logistics routes and integrating Ukraine more closely into the European transport system through the Solidarity Lanes.

Conclusion

The European Commission has signed new grant agreements to support transport infrastructure projects in Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova, aiming to improve regional connectivity and integration within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The funding comes under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and supports cross-border transport projects and initiatives like the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. The EU–Ukraine Transport Dialogue continues to serve as a platform for cooperation.

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the EU’s primary funding instrument for developing the TEN-T network.

EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes

The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes facilitate trade and logistics between the EU, Ukraine, and neighboring countries.

Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is a network aimed at improving regional connectivity.