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.