Ukraine and Romania have agreed on a joint infrastructure project to develop cross-border connectivity along the “Porubne–Siret” corridor, to be implemented with financing from the European Union under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism.
A corresponding protocol between the two sides was signed to ensure that decisions are synchronized on both sides of the border. The project предусматривает the construction of the Suceava–Siret express road (part of Romania’s A7 motorway) with a direct connection to the Ukrainian border, as well as the modernization of the Ukrainian section of the road toward Chernivtsi. The development of access infrastructure on the Ukrainian side is a key element of the project, as it directly affects the capacity of the “Porubne–Siret” border crossing.
“For Ukraine, it is fundamentally important that infrastructure solutions at the border are synchronized on both sides. In this project, the key factor is not only the construction of the express road on the Romanian side, but also the modernization of Ukrainian access roads to the border. This is what makes it possible to eliminate bottlenecks, increase capacity, and turn the border into a point of connection rather than a barrier,” said Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
In particular, the project includes:
- widening the Ukrainian road section from the border toward Chernivtsi to two lanes in each direction;
- synchronizing access roads and logistics solutions with the new Suceava–Siret (A7) expressway on the Romanian side;
- preparing infrastructure for increased traffic flows after construction is completed.
Implementation of the project will eliminate bottlenecks on the Ukrainian section of the border, ensure faster and safer traffic, and strengthen the integration of Ukraine’s transport network with the European one. As a result, the border will function as an effective point of connection rather than a barrier to the movement of people and goods.
In parallel, expansion of the “Porubne” border crossing for freight transport has already begun. By the end of the year, its capacity is expected to increase through reconstruction and an expansion in the number of traffic lanes.
