European Commission and Ukraine agree on further steps to develop Danube logistics

A meeting took place in Izmail, dedicated to the current situation in the Danube region and Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, as well as ways to overcome the logistical challenges caused by russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Andrii Kashuba, representative of the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission (DG MOVE) Alain Baron, as well as representatives of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, SE Izmail Sea Trade Port, Ukrzaliznytsia and the Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company.

The key objective of the meeting was to align approaches for coordinating the assistance the European Commission can provide to Ukraine amidst wartime challenges. In his opening remarks, Andrii Kashuba emphasized the strategic role of the Danube logistics route for Ukraine’s exports and imports given the maritime risks in the Black Sea. He also underscored the importance of close coordination with the European Commission.

“We are grateful to our European partners for their readiness to address the urgent needs we presented today on behalf of the entire maritime complex of the Odesa region. This support is critical for ensuring stable logistics for Ukraine right now. We are also prepared to continue working on strengthening alternative logistics routes alongside our European partners, specifically Romania and Moldova,” stated Andrii Kashuba.

USPA (Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority) representatives briefed participants on the overall situation in the Danube region and the Black Sea ports at the beginning of 2026, specifically regarding route capacity access, the condition of port infrastructure, the impact of damages, and energy constraints. Special attention was given to identifying key infrastructure “bottlenecks,” particularly Danube dredging, updated capacities, and work plans. Additionally, they presented the current status of the EUR 50 million EU financial support package aimed at restoring critical infrastructure following russian attacks.

During the meeting, representatives from the Port of Izmail, USPA, Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company, and Ukrzaliznytsia presented their urgent needs to ensure the stable operation of the Danube logistics route and Ukrainian Black Sea ports – mainly regarding equipment, repairs, and technical assistance.

Alain Baron presented the European Union’s approach to developing alternative routes in the event of traffic disruptions at Black Sea ports or reduced capacity on the Odesa–Danube route, as well as opportunities for further coordination with the Ukrainian side.

A separate session was dedicated to discussing potential cooperation with Romania on the Danube, including traffic planning issues, the use of the PRIMUS tool, and the preparation of a memorandum of mutual understanding.

Ukraine remains in constant and close contact with the European Commission regarding the resolution of logistical complexities caused by the war. A number of practical solutions have already been developed to strengthen the resilience of the Danube logistics route and ensure the continuity of transport links with the EU. The participants also agreed on further steps and coordination at the expert level.