The deputy head of Ukraine’s mission to the European Union, Serhiy Tereshko, briefed members of the European Parliament Committee on Transport (‘TRAN’) on Monday 26 September on the current situation in Ukraine’s transport sector as Russia’s war of aggression continues in the country.
While Mr Tereshko widely praised the efforts, support and work carried out, he also pointed to several issues, particularly with regard to improving exports to and imports from the EU.
In detail, Mr Tereshko requested, on behalf of the Ukrainian minister for infrastructure, that the EU increase the number of rolling stock available for grain transport. The Ukrainian diplomat also called for improved border infrastructure.
“The borders were not expected to be under such pressure”, he commented, adding that discussions were underway with the Commission to equip the borders with high-resolution scales and scanners to shorten queues when entering the EU.
Furthermore, Serhiy Tereshko called for controls - especially phytosanitary and veterinary controls - to be moved away from border posts. These could be carried out at separate facilities, especially for products in transit and whose final destination is not the EU. These products represent 70% of the goods transported, he said.
Finally, the issue of storage facilities was also raised. On this point, Mr Tereshko stressed the need for additional capacity and asked for the possibility of storing agricultural goods on the European side of the border to be evaluated.
Several initiatives will also be launched to create corridors to Dutch, Polish and German ports, he said.
Support for Ukraine was unanimously reiterated in the European Parliament. A majority of MEPs on the European Parliament Committee on Transport also insisted on the need to work on the issue of rail connections, while Mr Tereshko had earlier explained that Ukrainian trains had been brought up to European standards in terms of track gauge, for example.
“The European Commission has done a lot of work, the Parliament has reacted quickly through urgency procedures, agreements exist and the Parliament will vote on them very soon”, said Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romanian), taking the opportunity to reiterate his party’s willingness to devote a budget line to Ukraine in the next EU budget. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)