Ukrainian Danube Region – at the center of dialogue on the future of water resources and Ukraine’s European integration
The Danube region is one of the key areas of international cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in water resource management. It is here that issues of environmental security, climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and fulfillment of Ukraine’s European integration commitments converge. These topics formed the basis of discussions during the 6th National Participation Day of Ukraine in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, held in Odesa.
Participants focused on three main themes: implementation of river basin management plans as the foundation of European water policy, assessment of the war’s impact on the Danube region’s ecosystems, and the role of civil society in restoring water resources and strengthening resilience to climate change.
A significant part of the professional dialogue was devoted to the implementation of river basin management plans (RBMPs). Participants emphasized that the measures outlined in RBMPs are the cornerstone of the EU Water Framework Directive and modern integrated water resource management. The discussion extended beyond the Danube region, with experts stressing that practical implementation of RBMPs should be a priority for all river basins in Ukraine, as they define concrete steps for ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and national water security.
The first year of RBMP implementation highlighted the need to accelerate progress. Out of more than 1,600 planned measures, some are already underway. However, the scale of the tasks requires further mobilization of organizational and financial resources.
Special attention was given to the role of basin councils, cooperation between government authorities and local self-government, scientists, NGOs, and international partners in implementing water policy. Participants noted that only such collaboration can ensure effective RBMP execution and achievement of ecological goals.
“The Danube region is strategically important for Ukraine and all of Europe. The consequences of war for water ecosystems are especially evident here, crossing national borders. Protecting these transboundary water resources is increasingly urgent and requires coordinated action by states, international organizations, and civil society. At the same time, one of our key priorities remains the practical implementation of river basin management plans. RBMPs are the main and comprehensive tool for achieving good ecological water status, strengthening water security, and fulfilling Ukraine’s European integration commitments,” said Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Mariia Shpanchyk, President of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, outlined the priorities of Ukraine’s chairmanship in the Commission, stressing their close connection to Ukraine’s European integration path. Key areas of work include strengthening water resilience under climate change, assessing the consequences of Russian aggression for the Danube basin, and supporting the implementation of the updated Danube River Basin Management Plan. She emphasized that Ukraine’s chairmanship is not only a responsible mission but also an opportunity to draw international attention to the environmental consequences of war and to deepen cooperation with Danube region countries.
Civil society representatives, including the NGO “Environment – People – Law,” presented results of field studies on the impact of military actions on ecosystems and the legal qualification of environmental damage caused by the war under national and international law. Participants discussed legal aspects of investigating environmental crimes committed during the war, the need to improve legislation on defining ecocide, and distinguishing it from war crimes and other environmental offenses.
The event brought together representatives of government authorities, local self-government, international organizations, the scientific community, and civil society. It marked another step toward strengthening interagency and international cooperation in water governance and reaffirmed Ukraine’s shared commitment to European principles of practical reform implementation necessary for the restoration and sustainable management of water resources.