Institute of Danube Research: A New Danube Bridge Between Orlivka (Ukraine) and Isaccea (Romania) – Strategic Gateway to Europe

Odesa region, September 1, 2025 – After more than a decade of negotiations, the construction of a bridge across the Danube between Orlivka (Izmail district, Ukraine) and Isaccea (Romania) has been officially approved. The project is valued at ₴12.6 billion (≈ €261 million).

The bridge is part of Ukraine’s Southern Transport Corridor (“South Gate to Europe”), and will become a key element of the E87 international route, connecting Ukraine with Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It will shorten the route to Isaccea by about 80 km, eliminating the detour through Moldova.

Technical details:

• Four traffic lanes;
• Pedestrian sidewalks on both sides;
• Seismic resistance up to magnitude 9 (Richter scale);
• Access roads: 3 km on the Ukrainian side and 950 m on the Romanian side.

The project is scheduled for financing in three phases (2025–2027) through international aid:

• 2025 – ₴1.26 billion
• 2026 – ₴3.8 billion
• 2027 – ₴7.5 billion+

Strategic Importance

1. Infrastructure integration – a critical link in Ukraine’s southbound transport network towards the EU.
2. Economic benefits – reduced logistics costs and increased investment attractiveness of the region.
3. Geopolitical impact – a signal of stronger Ukraine–Romania cooperation within the Danube and Black Sea macro-region.

IDR Position

The Institute of Danube Research welcomes the approval of this project as a breakthrough for regional connectivity, but stresses the need for:

• Comprehensive environmental impact assessments, given the sensitivity of the Danube Delta ecosystem;
• Joint Romanian–Ukrainian scientific monitoring supported by EU experts;
• Socio-economic support programmes for local communities, including fishermen and small businesses;
• Transparent and inclusive project implementation, with regular public reporting.

This bridge is not only an infrastructure milestone, but also a symbolic step towards a stronger European future for Ukraine and the entire Danube region.