Introduction. Active integration into the European Union, at the same time as the blockade of seaports and the difference in the standards of the transport sector, especially at border crossing points, creates a significant load on the capacity of the transport and logistics system of Ukraine, which, in turn, requires the search and involvement of various tools for strengthening competitiveness of Ukrainian infrastructure and its successful connection with global supply chains.
Problem Statement. Transport infrastructure is a key factor of the economy competitiveness. It provides access to markets, resources and services and promotes economic growth and development. However, the challenges of global changes in the field of transport, which determine the need for constant modernization and development of infrastructure, call into question the competitiveness of countries and regions that cannot provide high-quality and efficient infrastructure.
The use of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding tool provides a unique opportunity to improve the national transport infrastructure, ensure its sufficient funding in order to develop cross-border cooperation and increase competitiveness.
Purpose. Analysis of the opportunities potential and benefits from participation in the EU CEF 2022 funding program for the development of transport infrastructure by the example of JSC “Ukrainian railways” and the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (hereinafter – the beneficiaries) in terms of increasing its competitiveness and compliance with the efficiency and environmental requirements for transport.
Materials and methods. The work methodology includes theoretical methods of data processing in order to identify the principles of Ukraine’s participation in the CEF financing instrument. With the help of technical and economic analysis, synthesis and classification, as well as generalization of the accumulated information, the ways of developing the competitiveness of the infrastructure were investigated, the necessary conclusions were reached for the interpretation of the success and prospects of Ukraine’s participation in the CEF financing tool for the development of the transport industry.
Results. The study confirms that Ukraine’s participation in the CEF financing program contributes to improving the quality and accessibility of transport infrastructure. CEF’s financial support allows Ukraine to modernize, increase the speed and reliability of transportation, which makes it more competitive on the international market and contributes to the development of cross-border cooperation and reducing the negative impact on the environment.
Conclusions. Ukraine’s participation in the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) financing program is an important tool for increasing the competitiveness of its transport infrastructure. Effective use of this tool will help strengthen the position in the transport and logistics sector, promote economic growth and sustainable development. The implementation of European standards for the functioning of the transport sector in Ukraine and the development of BCP area are the subject of further scientific research.
