A Eurotrack line to Uzhgorod is set to be launched in July, with plans to extend it to Chernivtsi, Lviv, and Lutsk.

The construction of a European-standard railway on the Chop-Uzhhorod railway section (Transcarpathia) is nearing completion and is expected to open in July, said Deputy Minister of Finance Oleksandr Kava. He stated, “(P)assenger trains will travel directly from Uzhhorod to Budapest, Kosice, Vienna, and Bratislava.”

Kava also mentioned ongoing preparations for establishing a European train line to Chernivtsi and Lviv. After these, Lutsk could be the next city to feature Eurotrack. “This is the option that can provide high-quality connections in the next four to five years,” he said.

A full overhaul of the country’s railway infrastructure isn’t seen as economically feasible. Kava cited Finland as an example, explaining that even after joining the EU, it has maintained its railway standard, which aligns with Ukraine’s. He emphasized the advantages of wider gauge for freight: Trains can carry 5,000-6,000 tons versus 2,000 tons in the EU, and wagons are larger. The challenge of European integration can be tackled by containerizing transport and developing a network of border container terminals.