Kyiv to Bratislava Train and New Cross-Border Projects — Summary of the Ukrainian-Slovak Mixed Commission Meeting
13.11.2024 | 13:47 | Section for Public and Mass Media Relations
Slovakia has confirmed its readiness to launch a new Kyiv-Bratislava train service by mid-December.
This was discussed at the Sixth Meeting of the Ukrainian-Slovak Mixed Commission. On the Ukrainian side, the meeting was chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko. On the Slovak side, it was chaired by the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Use of EU Funds, Peter Kmec.
Ukraine was also represented by Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Oksana Osmachko, and acting head of the Zakarpattia Oblast State Administration Myroslav Biletskyi.
According to Peter Kmec, an agreement was reached on implementing the Kyiv-Bratislava rail link with a transfer at the Chop station. The route will take into account the ongoing construction of a European-gauge railway line between Uzhhorod and Chop, as well as a potential future direct line Uzhhorod – Chop – Košice – Bratislava, with the possibility of extending the route to other European countries. It is expected that the new train service will be operational by mid-December.
"We are seeing an increase in freight railway traffic, both last year and this year, and passenger transport is growing as well. That’s why it is so important for us to develop international passenger rail links between Ukraine and Slovakia. I am grateful to Slovakia for its active steps towards achieving this goal," said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Additionally, the Slovak side announced the launch of a new tool to attract financing from third countries to support cross-border projects that will contribute to Ukraine’s recovery. The signing of the first agreement is expected later this month.
Yuliia Svyrydenko also welcomed Slovakia’s active participation in investment programmes aimed at Ukraine’s recovery. Under the Ukraine Investment Framework, four energy sector projects have already been submitted, which will be implemented jointly with Ukrainian partners. The total value of these projects is €143 million.
At the end of the meeting, both sides signed a protocol.
"We are deepening economic cooperation with Slovakia. We have identified key steps in areas such as bilateral trade and investment, Ukraine’s recovery, energy security, transport and infrastructure, as well as agriculture," noted Yuliia Svyrydenko.
In the energy sector, both parties reaffirmed their plans for the reconstruction of the cross-border electricity interconnector Mukacheve - Veľké Kapušany.
"This project is of great significance for strengthening the energy security of both countries, with the first stage of work expected to be completed by 2026," explained Yuliia Svyrydenko.
The meeting also covered the continued modernisation of the "Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké" border crossing point to increase its capacity for both freight and passenger traffic.
Furthermore, Ukraine expressed interest in expanding the capacity of the "Maly Berezny – Ubl’a" crossing point. Plans are also in place to open the "Pavlove – Matovce" rail crossing for passenger traffic, which is currently operating only as a freight crossing.
Additionally, tomorrow will see the "Ukrainian-Slovak Business Forum" take place.
Read also:
-
13.11.2024 | 13:54
| Section for Public and Mass Media Relations
Green Transition Office Launches in Ukraine
With the support of the United Kingdom, Ukraine has established a new unit to better implement energy and climate policies that will drive economic development and EU integration — the Green Transition Office. The opening was attended by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yuliia Svyrydenko, and the British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris.
-
13.11.2024 | 13:52
| Section for Public and Mass Media Relations
Ukraine And The European Investment Bank (EIB) Discuss €2 Billion Recovery Projects
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the EIB reviewed the current progress of the Bank's recovery projects under the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF), which forms the second investment component (Pillar 2) of the Ukraine Plan. -
13.11.2024 | 13:49
| Section for Public and Mass Media Relations
Ukraine Can Strengthen European Strategic Autonomy, Says Yuliia Svyrydenko
Ukraine has the potential to become the European Union's new production base, arsenal, energy hub, and to secure an important role in value chains for new technologies. This was stated by Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yuliia Svyrydenko, during the panel "Ukraine and Europe: Toward A Common Future" at the Kyiv International Economic Forum on 7 November. -
13.11.2024 | 13:40
| Section for Public and Mass Media Relations
USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine Programme Allocates $1.8 Million to Support Employment for Ukrainians
A new initiative to improve skills and retrain professionals to meet market needs is being launched by USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine programme. This project will help young people, veterans, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) realise their potential in the labour market by providing them with the necessary skills for in-demand professions in the most dynamic sectors of the economy. Additionally, the initiative aims to support women in acquiring skills for professions where men have historically dominated. The initiative is focused on strengthening partnerships between the private sector and vocational education institutions, providing incentives for the private sector to create new jobs, and ensuring job seekers have the skills required for employment in promising industries.
-
13.11.2024 | 13:38
| Section for Public and Mass Media Relations
World Bank to Allocate $593 Million to Support the Private Sector in Ukraine
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, Minister of Finance of Ukraine, Serhii Marchenko, and the World Bank Country Director for Eastern Europe, Bob Saum, have signed Grant and Loan Agreements for a new systemic project in Ukraine, the Program-for-Results (PforR) — Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprise" (RISE).