European Partners Announce €54 Million in Grants for Ukrainian Railways
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) unveiled two major EU-supported grant agreements worth a total of €54 million.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to an announcement made by Ukrainian Railways.
The funding will advance key infrastructure and social initiatives: improving accessibility, supporting veteran reintegration, and strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence.
As part of the agreement, the EBRD will allocate €10 million to enhance accessibility at railway stations across the country.
The upgrades will benefit people with disabilities, elderly travelers, parents with young children, and other passengers with limited mobility, marking a significant step toward inclusive transport in Ukraine.
Another €3 million will fund a veteran reintegration program, helping railway employees returning from military service to re-enter the workforce. The initiative includes the development of tailored training programs and the adaptation of workplaces to ensure a smooth transition for veterans.
In addition, the EBRD and Ukrzaliznytsia signed a statement of intent to establish a €41 million grant funded by the European Commission, pending final approvals.
The grant will support the creation of a decentralized network of gas-powered generators, ensuring the railway's uninterrupted operations even during nationwide blackouts.
It will also contribute to the goals of the “Iron Efficiency” program by reducing energy consumption, cutting fuel and maintenance costs, and decreasing reliance on backup diesel locomotives.
The project is already in motion. In May, Ukrainian Railways launched an international tender for equipment procurement and contractor prequalification.
A guarantee agreement between the EBRD and the Ukrainian government was signed earlier this year, with Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration Oleksii Kuleba representing Ukraine.
The initiative is being implemented with the support of Ukraine's Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and is part of the broader EU efforts to invest in Ukraine’s long-term resilience and modernization amid ongoing reconstruction.
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