The article examines the provisions of the EU legislation on the tariff regulation of rail freight transportation, as well as the prospects of their implementation in the domestic system of industry regulation. It is emphasized that the implementation of European rules of tariff regulation on railway transport is an important factor in the development of a competitive environment in the market of transport services, as well as a necessary prerequisite for the attraction of internal and external investments in the development of the railway industry. Such adaptation is extremely important for reducing transport costs, improving the quality of services and the overall efficiency of rail freight transportation. The key provisions of the Directive of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe of 21.11.2012 № 2001/14/EU “Creation of a single European railway space”, which defines the rules for collecting fees for the use of railway infrastructure by freight transport operators, are highlighted. It is emphasized that the Directive envisages the separation of infrastructure management and transport operations to prevent conflicts of interest and stimulate fair competition among market operators. It also defines railway companies’ rights to access infrastructure and establishes transparent pricing mechanisms. The article examines the European experience of creating independent regulatory bodies authorized to monitor market practices, monitor compliance with safety standards, and ensure fair pricing mechanisms. It was concluded that the implementation of the provisions of the EU legislation on the tariff regulation of rail freight transportation will ensure a significant increase in the competitiveness of domestic rail transport by improving the access of national carriers to the European transport infrastructure, optimizing logistics on rail transport, ensuring transparency and reasonableness of pricing, creating equal conditions for national railway operators. The importance of the consistent implementation of the provisions of the EU legislation on the tariff regulation of rail freight transportation in the context of the Europeanization of domestic legislation on rail transport and the regulatory approximation provided for by the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU is emphasized.
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