Ukraine presents progress in cooperation with the EU in fisheries and irrigation at the tenth meeting of Cluster 5: State Fisheries Agency

On 3 February, the tenth meeting of Cluster 5 of the Subcommittee on Economic and Other Sectoral Cooperation of the EU-Ukraine Association Committee took place via video conference.

During the event, representatives of the State Agency for Land Reclamation, Fisheries and Food Programmes of Ukraine (State Fisheries Agency) informed European partners about key areas of Ukraine’s cooperation with the EU. In particular, discussions covered bilateral and multilateral cooperation in fisheries, anti-corruption measures, digitalisation of the sector, and the development of the irrigation complex.

Head of the State Fisheries Agency Ihor Klymenok emphasised the strategic importance of Ukraine’s cooperation with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) for the sustainable development of the Black Sea region. He informed participants that Ukraine had acquired the status of a contracting party to the GFCM, opening up opportunities for full participation in shaping regional fisheries resource management policy and implementing relevant decisions into national legislation.

“Cooperation with the GFCM is strategically important for Ukraine not only in the context of European integration commitments, but also in view of our interest in preserving marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities,” noted Ihor Klymenok.

Progress in implementing anti-corruption reforms in the fisheries sector was also highlighted. In particular, thanks to the digitalisation of processes, the introduction of open auctions, and the development of the electronic eFisheries system, corruption risks have been significantly reduced and market transparency increased.

First Deputy Head of the State Fisheries Agency Taras Kot informed participants about the implementation of Ukraine’s Long-Term Plan for the Development of the Irrigation Complex until 2050, which is being carried out as part of the EU’s Ukraine Facility initiative. Key areas include inventorying melioration infrastructure, conducting energy audits of pumping stations, and developing water user organisations.

“As of today, 73 water user organisations have already been established in 14 regions of Ukraine, which is an important step towards effective water resource management,” emphasised Taras Kot.

At the end of the meeting, the Ukrainian side confirmed its readiness to further deepen cooperation with the European Union in the areas of sustainable management of aquatic bioresources, irrigation development, digitalisation, and the adoption of European approaches to sector management.

For its part, the EU side highly commended Ukraine’s progress in reforming the fisheries sector and building irrigation potential. It also expressed interest in expanding cooperation on the further restoration and development of Ukrainian melioration infrastructure, as well as more active participation in European integration processes in fisheries, including the development of the eFisheries system.