Key Details of the Agreement
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Parties | FS Group (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) & JSC Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) |
| Signed by | Stefano Antonio Donnarumma (CEO, FS) · Oleksandr Pertsovskyi (Chair, UZ) |
| Venue & Date | Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, Rome · July 2025 |
| Duration | 2 years (non‑binding framework) |
| Governance | Joint Working Group meets ≥ 4 times per year to track milestones and propose projects |
Objectives & Workstreams
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International Connectivity
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Passenger: Explore direct and intermodal services linking major Italian hubs with Kyiv‑Lviv corridor.
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Freight: Design Italy–Ukraine logistics chains via Adriatic & Balkan gateways.
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Infrastructure Modernisation
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Share FS expertise in European rail signalling (ERTMS), electrification upgrades, and climate‑resilient design.
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Sustainability & Digitalisation
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Deploy energy‑efficient traction rolling stock and adopt predictive‑maintenance systems.
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Workforce Support
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FS to supply workwear and critical equipment to UZ staff under a forthcoming Letter of Intent.
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Strategic Impact
| Benefit to Ukraine | Benefit to Italy / FS Group |
|---|---|
| Accelerates EU‑standard rail rebuild | Entry into €50+ billion reconstruction market |
| Cuts transit time for grain & machinery exports | Secures north‑south freight volumes via Italian ports |
| Enhances passenger safety & comfort | Showcases Italian rail tech and unlocks financing via EU & EIB |
Next Steps
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Q4 2025 – Feasibility studies on mixed‑gauge corridors and logistics hubs.
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2026 – Pilot project selection (e.g., ERTMS pilot on Lviv–Krakivets line).
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Funding hunt – Tap EU’s Connecting Europe Facility and Italy’s export‑credit agency for cap‑ex support.
Bottom Line: The FS–UZ memorandum sets a practical roadmap for integrating Ukraine’s rail system into the European network, boosting both countries’ trade and travel prospects while advancing Ukraine’s post‑war recovery.
