Slovakia has confirmed its readiness to launch a new Kyiv – Bratislava train in the middle of December. This was discussed during the Sixth Meeting of the Ukrainian-Slovak Mixed Commission. On the Ukrainian side, the commission was chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko. The Slovak side was represented by Peter Kmec, Deputy Prime Minister for EU Recovery Plan and Knowledge Economy.
Ukraine was also represented by Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Serhiy Derkach, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Oksana Osmachko and Acting Head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration Myroslav Biletskyi.
According to Peter Kmec, an agreement was reached to implement a Kyiv – Bratislava railway connection with a change at Chop station. The route takes into account the already started construction of a European gauge line in Ukraine between Uzhhorod and Chop and a possible future direct line Uzhhorod – Chop – Kosice – Bratislava with the prospect of extending it to other European countries. The new train is expected to be launched in the middle of December.
“We see an increase in the volume of rail freight traffic both last year and this year. Passenger traffic is also growing. That is why it is so important for us to develop international rail passenger traffic between Ukraine and Slovakia. I am grateful to Slovakia for taking active steps towards achieving this goal,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
In addition, the Slovak side announced that they had launched an instrument to attract funding from third countries to support projects on both sides of the border that would contribute to the recovery of Ukraine. The first agreement is expected to be signed this month.
Yuliia Svyrydenko also welcomed Slovakia’s active participation in investment programmes aimed at restoring Ukraine. Slovakia has already submitted 4 energy projects under the Ukraine Investment Framework, which it plans to implement jointly with Ukrainian partners. The total amount of the projects is EUR 143 million.
Following the meeting, the parties 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, and agriculture,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
In the energy sector, the parties reaffirmed their plans to reconstruct the Mukachevo – Velke Kapusany interconnector.
“The project is of great importance for strengthening the energy security of both countries, and the first stage of works is scheduled to be completed in 2026,” explained Yuliia Svyrydenko.
The parties also discussed the continuation of the modernisation of the Uzhhorod – Vysne Nemecke border crossing point to increase the capacity for both freight and passenger traffic.
In addition, Ukraine has expressed interest in expanding the capacity of the Malyi Bereznyi – Ubl’a border crossing. There are also plans to open the Pavlove – Matovske railway crossing point for passenger traffic, which currently operates only as a freight crossing point. (Government portal)