CHANGSHA, Dec. 20 -- A Chinese train maker has signed a deal to sell multiple unit trains to the Czech Republic, the first such deal with an EU member.

CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. signed a deal with Czech rail operator Leo Express to sell three electric multiple units (EMUs) for 20 million euros (21 million U.S. dollars) on Monday.

The trains can operate at a speed of 160 km/h and will be compatible with railways in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, according to Liao Hongtao, vice general manager of CRRC Zhuzhou.

The deal also covers spare parts, testing equipment and training. The first train is expected to be delivered in mid-2018.

The EU has strict standards on the safety and reliability of trains. "The sale to Czech represents the international market's recognition on Chinese manufacturers," Liao said.

In 2014, CRRC Zhuzhou signed a EMU deal with Macedonia. The trains were delivered and went into operation in July, 2015. In September, the company established its first European subsidiary in Austria.