Geopolitical and Institutional-Legal Factors of the Functioning of Eurasian Transport Corridors in the Context of Ukraine’s Integration Prospects

Abstract

The aim of the article is to systematize the factors of the functioning of Euroasian transport corridors (hereinafter referred to as ETC) at the present stage and to assess the geopolitical, institutional and legal and security factors that affect the provision of transportation along the ETC (Trans–Caspian Corridor, TRACECA, Belt and Road Initiative (hereinafter referred to as BRI) and to assess their impact on the formation of Ukraine's integration prospects within the Eurasian transport and logistics systems.

The study used a set of general scientific and special methods, in particular: systemic and structural and functional analysis – to identify the relationships between key factors of influence, comparative analysis – to assess the features of the functioning of various transport corridors, institutional approach – to study the role of international legal agreements, as well as the generalization method – to form conclusions and recommendations regarding the integration of Ukraine into the ETC.

It was established that the functioning of the system of international transport corridors is determined by a set of interrelated factors of different levels of interaction, including geopolitical, institutional and legal, economic, infrastructure-technological, socio-ecological. At the same time, at the present stage, geopolitical stability and institutional-legal factors are becoming key. It is shown that military conflicts, blockades of transport routes and increased security risks significantly affect the stability of logistics chains, causing changes in routes and increased costs. The importance of strategies for minimizing the negative impact of factors, namely the development of alternative branches and routes of the ETC as a tool for increasing the sustainability of international transportation, is substantiated. It is determined that international conventions and agreements in the field of transport and customs regulation form the institutional basis for the effective functioning of multimodal transportation, reducing administrative barriers and ensuring predictability of transit. The integration prospects of Ukraine for the specified corridors are assessed, in particular through the development of infrastructure, participation in the TEN-T network and the use of alternative logistics routes.

It is substantiated that the integration of Ukraine into the ETC depends on the ability to adapt the national transport system to conditions of increased geopolitical risks. The key areas for increasing transit competitiveness are identified as diversification of routes, harmonization of regulatory and legal support for customs procedures according to international standards, and strengthening the security of transport infrastructure. The implementation of these measures will contribute to the formation of a sustainable transport and logistics system and strengthen the position of Ukraine as a transit state in the direction of Europe–Asia.