EUROPEAN COMMISSION BACKS UKRAINIAN DANUBE PORTS: NEW STAGE OF COOPERATION AGREED IN IZMAIL

Izmail once again became the focal point of Europe’s attention. A high-level working meeting took place here to define the next steps in the development of Ukraine’s Danube ports — Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaisk.
The talks brought together representatives of the European Commission (DG MOVE) — Alain Baron and Ina Miscullin, Secretary-General of the Danube Commission Manfred Seitz, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Andrii Kashuba, Head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority Oleksandr Semyrha, as well as officials from Ukrainian ministries and port administrations.

Europe’s Strategic Bet on the Ukrainian Danube

The discussions in Izmail confirmed that the European Commission views Ukrainian Danube ports as an integral part of the TEN-T European transport network. After two years of successful operation of the Solidarity Lanes, which have been vital for Ukraine’s grain exports, the EU is ready to take the next step — to support the modernization of the Lower Danube’s port infrastructure.

This is not only about new docks or dredging works — it is about building a new logistics model for post-war Ukraine, where Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaisk will form a “golden triangle” of transport security and resilience.

Safe Corridor and Smart Port Technologies

The parties agreed to draft a framework agreement among the administrations of the Lower Danube ports to ensure operational stability of the Ukrainian Grain Corridor in case of renewed threats from Russia. Such coordination strengthens the autonomy and reliability of the Danube logistics system, which has already proven its efficiency under wartime conditions.

Other key topics included the modernization of vessel traffic management systems (VTS), the creation of a Center for Maritime Unmanned Systems, and joint professional training programs supported by European partners — all aimed at fostering a new generation of smart, resilient port infrastructure.

The Danube as a Space of Trust

According to the Institute of Danube Research, this meeting symbolizes how Ukraine is transforming from a “frontline country” into an active participant in Europe’s Danube macro-regional development.
The EU’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian Danube ports is both an investment in stability and a recognition of Ukraine’s strategic role in Europe’s transport map.