The total value of trade via the Solidarity Lanes since May 2022 is estimated at around €170 billion, including around €52.5 billion for Ukrainian exports, the European Commission had announced on Wednesday 14 August. The total value of imports into Ukraine is estimated at around €117.5 billion (see EUROPE 13445/20).
In July, the Solidarity Lanes transported: - around 88% of Ukrainian imports, in comparison to around 12% via the Black Sea; - around 67% of Ukrainian non-agricultural exports, in comparison to around 33% via the Black Sea; - around 27% of Ukrainian exports of grains, oilseeds and related products, in comparison to around 73% via the Black Sea.
On Thursday 8 August, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) had signed an Administrative Arrangement with the Ukrainian Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, marking another important step towards technical harmonisation between the railway systems of the EU and Ukraine (see EUROPE 13455/14).
Under the agreement, the ERA will provide additional expertise and technical support to the Ministry to ensure that Ukraine becomes part of the Single European Railway Area. The two parties committed to a structured exchange on harmonising standards and regulation regarding railway safety, railway interoperability, train drivers’ legislation, and other areas falling within the scope of ERA.
The agreement also stipulates the establishment of a steering committee that sets priorities and rolling plans in support of the overall objectives. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)