Ukraine’s minister of infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan and the European Commission’s director-general for mobility and transport Henrik Hololei held a Transport Dialogue in in Kyiv, Ukraine to discuss transport relations. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between both parties regarding all modes of transport to better understand and exchange experiences.
Resultantly, both sides agreed that transport related reforms needed to be sped up in Ukraine to match the framework of the Association Agreement, as well as the need to swiftly adopt the National Transport Strategy 2030 and several key framework laws.
“Our goal is to give Ukraine the new quality of infrastructure and to renew Ukraine,” said Omelyan. “I would like to note the constant support of the EU, both technical and financial, in the reform of the transport sector and implementation of EU legislation into national legislation of Ukraine. We strive for the formation of a common transport strategy of Ukraine together with the EU and hope for the continuation of constructive dialogue. We make real change reforming Ukraine together with EU.”
My topics were covered during the discussion but the most prevailing view was that of developing digital infrastructures and intelligent transport systems, whilst improving road safety and focusing on environmental sustainability for the future of the sector. Likewise, the importance of signing the Common Aviation Area Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union was stressed, especially focusing on the issue of supervision for air carriers registered in Ukraine.
Henrik Hololei said: “We seek better transport connectivity between the EU and Ukraine to ensure more trade, investments, jobs and a balanced economic growth.” He noted that this Transport Dialogue is “an essential step towards reaching those objectives and deepening transport relations with Ukraine. We look forward to the next Dialogue when we can push forward in implementing Ukraine´s Transport Strategy.”
