USAID ERA Facilitates Strategic Cooperation and Formation of a Cross-Border Expert Group

Grants

Modernization of the BCPs

23 December 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), in partnership with its grantee, the Western Ukrainian Resource Center (WURC) has facilitated the formalization of cross-border cooperation through the establishment of an expert (working) group. The group was formalized at a two-day strategic meeting, held on December 17-18 at the Warsaw University of Technology, which brought together experts from Ukraine and Poland to discuss critical improvements at three railway border crossing points — Chop, Mostyska II, and Vadul-Siret — aimed at streamlining exports to the EU. The experts are drawn from academia.

The participants delivered presentations, engaged in deliberations, and collaborated in defining their roles and responsibilities, and the key activity deliverables, which will include an operational Action Plan to drive future initiatives. They emphasized the grant project’s role in promoting international cooperation, underscoring the critical need to optimize border procedures for grain exports. At the conclusion of the deliberations, the experts signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which formalizes their commitment to contributing to enhancing cross-border operations and improving the efficiency of railway border procedures.

This cooperation marked a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration, improving cross-border infrastructure, and supporting Ukraine’s economic resilience during a critical time.

USAID ERA and NGO Center for Innovations Development Partner on Improving Export Processes for Ukrainian Agribusinesses

Grants

Modernization of the BCPs

18 December 2024

In December 2024, the NGO Center for Innovations Development (CID), launched a project funded by the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) titled “Export Without Borders: Improving Export Capacity at Border Crossing Points”. This one-year grant project aims to develop systematic solutions to reduce the time required for processing export shipments at border crossings, and to grant agricultural companies the status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in accordance with EU standards.

The AEO status allows exporting companies to streamline border crossing procedures by preparing all necessary documents in advance and pre-sealing their cargo. For agricultural companies, obtaining AEO status ensures priority customs control, leading to reduced processing time, lower risks of supply chain disruptions or theft, increased trust, and an accelerated export process.

“The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has created unprecedented challenges for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products. In this context, the status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) could become a key tool for Ukrainian agribusinesses to adapt to the new reality. Our goal is to help enterprises adopt advanced European practices, reduce border processing times, minimize supply chain risks, and boost international trust in Ukrainian exports,” said Kateryna Ivanchenko, Director of the Center for Innovations Development.

Under the grant, CID will collaborate with government agencies and agricultural companies, organize roundtables and conferences, and develop recommendations for agribusiness on obtaining AEO status. The initiative will also focus on disseminating this information to interested audiences. As a result of the activities and consultations, ten agricultural exporters are expected to achieve AEO status, expediting the processing of export shipments at border crossing points.

USAID ERA grantee commences implementation of project to accelerate cargo processing at Mostyska, Vadul-Siret, and Chop rail border crossing points

Grants

Modernization of the BCPs

13 December 2024

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) grantee the NGO Western Ukrainian Resource Center, has commenced its project to optimize railway border procedures to accelerate grain exports to EU countries. On December 12, representatives of the NGO and ERA met with the Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration and Ukrainian Railways. As part of the grant initiative, procedures at three railway border crossing points (BCPs) — Mostyska, Vadul-Siret, and Chop — are being improved, with Chop serving as the pilot site for the activities to be first implemented.

The main goal of the project is to enhance cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, promoting increased exports and harmonizing border crossing procedures with European standards.

After the blockade of Black Sea ports, the western railway border crossings became critical for export flows. However, their throughput capacity proved to be insufficient. The volume of grain exports increased significantly. While approximately 79,000 tons were transported through Zakarpattia in 2022, this figure rose to nearly 2 million tons in 2023. At times, the border crossing wait time ranged from 2 to 15 days. The project therefore aims at addressing these challenges.

The modernization of BCPs infrastructure, as well as improvements to technical and customs procedures, will contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s export potential and its integration into the European Union.

USAID ERA tours completed rapid upgrade improvements at Chop (Tysa)-Zahony road border crossing point in Zakarpattia Oblast

Modernization of the BCPs

13 December 2024

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.

USAID ERA and Volyn Oblast Military Administration collaborate to accelerate the construction of the new Yahodyn Terminal

Modernization of the BCPs

04 December 2024

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.

USAID ERA explores travelers’ opinion on crossing the Ukrainian border

Modernization of the BCPs

03 December 2024

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.