On December 10, representatives of the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), led by ERA Chief of Party Timothy Madigan and ERA Border Crossing Points (BCP) Director Cameron Berkuti, visited and observed the rapid upgrade work completed at the Chop (Tysa)-Zahony BCP at the Hungarian border in Zakarpattia Oblast, along with representatives from State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure in Zakarpattia Oblast. 

USAID ERA and its subcontractors carried out the upgrades at Ukraine’s largest border crossing with Hungary between May and December 2024. Specialists upgraded the freight transport section, replaced asphalt pavement, applied new markings, installed 288 road signs and 256 LED lights, and replaced road slabs and barriers. To better control traffic, 6 hydroelectric traffic stoppers and 12 traffic arms were installed. They also repaired pedestrian paths, guardrails, and canopies.  

“Developing border crossing points is a priority for the Government of Ukraine, and we are honored to be able to do our part in modernizing this critical infrastructure,” stated Timothy Madigan, ERA Chief of Party.

ERA also installed and fully fitted 16 permanent modular buildings for customs and passport control. These facilities are equipped with office furniture, air conditioning, and heaters, providing improved working conditions for customs, passport controllers, and border units. Additionally, ERA provided two commodity scales, one forklift, and two handheld backscatter scanners, and plans to deliver 36 pieces of ICT equipment.  

“Reconstruction of border crossing points with all EU countries to increase throughput capacity is not just necessary for Ukraine – it is vital. We are deeply grateful to our partners who understand the urgency of prioritizing work at the largest border crossing points with Hungary and Slovakia. We appreciate our partners for their joint efforts at the Chop (Tysa) border crossing and are ready to continue working together for the development and victory of our country,” stated Stanislav Baluyev, Deputy Head of Border Crossing Development for the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure in Zakarpattia Oblast. 

USAID ERA is also collaborating with the U.S.-based consulting firm Tetra Tech and the French company Egis to develop project documentation for Chop (Tysa). The technical requirements have already been approved by the Agency for Restoration, necessary geodetic and technical surveys have been conducted, and project documentation for future reconstruction is under preparation. 

The total budget for modernizing the Chop (Tysa) border crossing under the USAID ERA is approximately $4.5 million. This includes all planned equipment procurement, rapid upgrade improvements, engineering services, and reconstruction. 

Background:
Between 2023 and 2026, USAID is allocating $115 million through the Economic Resilience Activity to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and the State Customs Service. This funding aims to modernize border crossings, enhance trade, and increase export volumes. 

On December 3, in Lutsk, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) representatives led by Cameron Berkuti, ERA Border Crossing Point (BCP) Director, met with Ivan Rudnytskyi, the Head of the Volyn Oblast Military Administration, Oleksandr Trokhanenko, Volyn Deputy Governor, regional heads of the Agency for Restoration, representatives of the State Customs and Border Guard, Forestry, and the Department of Land Management, Use and Protection in Ukraine. The discussion included significant advancements in USAID ERA cross-border infrastructure projects. ERA presented a summary of extensive completed upgrades at the existing Yahodyn Road BCP, equipment provided and planned for the existing BCP, and the development of a new Yahodyn terminal. However, the meeting focused on several critical obstacles to completing and moving the design phase to the construction phase. 

During the meeting, the USAID ERA team presented the initial design for the new terminal at Yahodyn BCP, including a rendering of the future bridge profile, which is part of a technical Economic Study (TEJ) by ERA to enhance the efficiency of trade with Poland.  

The USAID ERA team outlined four critical actions required by February 2025 to advance the new terminal project into the internal and external review process, bidding, and construction phases. These include securing approvals from the Border Guard and State Customs to finalize the General Plan for the terminal, completing the land transfer process, clearing designated tree areas to prepare the site for construction, and resolving administrative and logistical challenges to sustain project momentum. 

Governor Ivan Rudnytskyi underscored the importance of the Yahodyn BCP terminal for the region’s economic growth and international trade. He expressed his full commitment to supporting the project, instructing the formation of a working group headed by his deputy to move the above action steps forward.  

Cameron Berkuti highlighted the urgency of completing immediate priorities: “The Yahodyn terminal will play a transformative role in improving border infrastructure and strengthening trade ties between Ukraine and Poland. With the support of the Volyn Administration, we are confident in the progress ahead.” 

The meeting exemplifies USAID ERA’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s border infrastructure and economic resilience. The Yahodyn BCP construction project remains a cornerstone of efforts to modernize and streamline cross-border trade for Ukraine’s economic future. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve trade and export volumes.   

In 2023, the USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) began work to improve the infrastructure of Ukrainian border crossing points (BCPs) to enhance efficiency, accessibility, safety, and the logistical potential for freight exports. The USAID ERA identified road and rail border crossing points on Ukraine’s borders with Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania as priorities for modernization. 

From April to June 2024, at the request of the USAID ERA, Info Sapiens company conducted a survey of over 14,200 travelers in passenger and freight vehicles, and buses at 10 border crossing points to assess satisfaction levels – from infrastructure to border crossing wait times. 

Almost all respondents who noticed changes saw improvements in the infrastructure at the Yahodyn/Dorohusk (Poland) and Luzhanka/Beregsurány (Hungary) BCPs, specifically highlighting better road surfaces and the condition of modular facilities. Respondents at the Yahodyn/Dorohusk (Poland) BCP also noted improvements in the condition of sanitary facilities. 

Among the significant improvements observed were the condition of road surfaces, lighting at the BCPs, traffic organization (barriers, road signs, markings), waste sorting areas, cargo weighing procedures, and customs inspections. 

86% of respondents considered the BCP they crossed as convenient. Only 14% of respondents reported encountering infrastructure-related issues during the border crossing. 

The USAID ERA continues to collaborate with the Government of Ukraine, particularly with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, the State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the State Customs Service, and JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” to further improve the operation of border crossing points and expedite border crossings to facilitate export logistics. 

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) is collaborating with the American consulting company Tetra Tech and the French company Egis in Ukraine to modernize border crossing points (BCPs) along Ukraine’s western borders. As part of this collaboration, project documentation is being developed for six road BCPs located on the borders with Poland, Hungary, and Moldova. Updated and modern infrastructure will strengthen Ukraine’s export potential and integrate the country into international trade and logistics networks. 

As part of this partnership, Tetra Tech and Egis, together with USAID ERA technical teams, the State Customs Service, and the Agency for Restoration, conducted site visits to six BCPs to assess the scope of work. 

For the Rava-Ruska BCP in the Lviv region on the border with Poland, the technical assignment has already been agreed upon with the State Customs Service. Engineering surveys and analysis of existing facilities have commenced, and project documentation is being prepared. 

At the Chop (Tysa) border BCP in the Zakarpattia region on the border with Hungary, the technical assignment has been agreed upon with the Agency for Restoration. Necessary geodetic and technical surveys have been conducted, and work on preparing project documentation is underway. 

For the Mamalyha and Rososhany BCPs in the Chernivtsi region on the border with Moldova, technical documentation is being developed, geodetic studies are being carried out, and technical assignments are being coordinated with the relevant authorities. 

At the Mohyliv-Podilskyi BCP in the Vinnytsia region on the border with Moldova, geodetic and geological surveys are being conducted. Discussions are ongoing regarding the concept for reconstructing administrative buildings, optimizing traffic flow schemes, and implementing other measures to improve conditions for pedestrians, drivers, and passengers. 

For the Starokozache BCP in the Odesa region on the border with Moldova, inspections of structures are being conducted, geodetic surveys are being performed, and technical assignments are being coordinated with the Agency for Restoration. 

The global consulting company Tetra Tech has many years of experience in infrastructure, environmental, and energy sectors and actively employs modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), ensuring precision and compliance with international standards. The company collaborates with government organizations and agencies worldwide, implementing projects focused on infrastructure development, climate change mitigation, disaster recovery, and sustainable solutions. 

Egis is an international company operating in over 100 countries with a team of 19,500 professionals. For more than 30 years, Egis has been actively involved in modernizing Ukraine’s infrastructure, implementing hundreds of projects in transportation, energy, water supply, civil and industrial construction, environmental protection, and other sectors. Today, Egis plays a key role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, implementing critical infrastructure projects, supporting sustainable development, and assisting through international partnerships and financing. 

ERA is part of a large-scale USAID initiative that foresees an investment of $115 million in modernizing Ukraine’s western BCPs during 2023–2026. The funding is directed toward supporting the Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, the Agency for Restoration, the State Customs Service, and Ukranian Railways. It is expected that the modernization of BCPs will reduce waiting times at the border, increase the capacity of crossing points, and improve conditions for businesses and freight transportation. These efforts will help Ukraine strengthen its position as a significant partner in global logistics networks and contribute to the country’s economic growth. 

On November 22, representatives from USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) attended the presentation of Ukraine’s Strategy for the Development of Border Infrastructure with the European Union (EU) and Moldova. The document, presented by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, outlines key actions and priorities through 2030.

Deputy Minister Serhii Derkach facilitated the event, which was also attended by Head of the Agency for Restoration Serhii Sukhomlyn, representatives of regional military administrations, the State Customs Service, the State Border Guard Service, as well as experts from the relevant directorates of the European Commission, USAID, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the European Union (EU) Advisory Mission in Ukraine, and other local and international organizations.

“The full-scale Russian invasion has significantly altered Ukraine’s logistical routes. The blockade of ports and the suspension of air traffic have made road transport a vital element of our economic stability for both imports and exports. To adapt Ukraine’s border to meet the demands of transport and passenger flows, we have developed a clear strategy and operational plan. These documents include specific steps and measures to increase cargo throughput, prevent queues, and ensure comfort for those crossing the border. The key is the timely implementation of all planned measures so that businesses and citizens can experience tangible results. We expect our partners to consider this strategy in their projects as well. Its implementation will mark an important step toward integrating Ukraine into the European transport space,” noted Deputy Prime Minister for Ukraine’s Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksii Kuleba.

A key priority of the Strategy is increasing the capacity of border infrastructure. The document has already received approval from key government bodies and is expected to be adopted by the Government by the end of the year. Notably, its approval is one of the indicators of the Ukraine Facility Plan, with a completion deadline set for the end of 2024.

“The Strategy focuses on several key objectives. Primarily, it aims to enhance the capacity of border infrastructure through the reconstruction of existing border crossings and the construction of new ones, including access roads. Other goals include introducing joint controls with neighboring states, reducing wait times, and establishing networks of service areas. To achieve these goals, clear tasks and expected results have been defined. An essential part of the Strategy is monitoring its implementation, for which the document includes specific indicators,” stated Deputy Minister Serhii Derkach.

The Strategy covers the development of 42 border crossing points (BCPs) with all of Ukraine’s western neighboring countries, including the reconstruction and construction of BCPs with Poland (6), Slovakia (5), Romania (11), Hungary (6), and Moldova (14). It also plans for the construction of new BCPs, including Bila Tserkva/Sighetu Marmației, Bila Krynytsia/Climăuți, Ruska/Ulma, and Shepit/Izvoarele with Romania, and Velyka Palad/Nagyhódos, and Diyda/Beregdaráz with Hungary. The operational plan accompanying the Strategy outlines the necessary tasks and measures for border development, including cost estimates, funding sources, and implementation timelines for construction and upgrades.

“Developing border infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening Ukraine’s economy and its integration into the European Union. USAID ERA actively supports Ukraine’s efforts to modernize border crossing points, reduce wait times, and create favorable conditions for exports and cross-border movement as a whole,” emphasized Kirsten Pfeiffer, ERA Deputy Chief of Party. “We are proud to contribute to the implementation of this Strategy, which outlines clear steps to achieve its goals, and we will continue collaborating with partners to turn these plans into reality.” 

Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve trade and export volumes.