Ukraine and the World Bank Strengthen Cooperation in Preparing Priority Infrastructure Projects

A working meeting between the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the team of the World Bank (IBRD) focused on enhancing cooperation in the preparation of key infrastructure projects. Support will be provided through the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), financed under the World Bank’s PREPARE project.

A central topic of discussion was coordination in the development of the M-15 Odesa–Reni transport corridor (towards Bucharest). This over 300 km route plays a strategic role in ensuring grain export logistics, maintaining the operational stability of Danube ports, and facilitating Ukraine’s integration into the EU transport network. The parties emphasized the importance of a systemic approach to modernizing national logistics routes, incorporating resilience, safety, and multimodal connectivity principles.

Special attention was given to strengthening the institutional capacity of project initiators, particularly the Recovery Agency. Cooperation предусматриває the involvement of international consultants to prepare feasibility studies, assess strategic alternatives, and conduct environmental and social impact assessments in accordance with international standards. The engagement of highly qualified experts is expected to minimize implementation risks and ensure compliance with global best practices.

Deputy Minister Maryna Denysiuk underlined that the objective is to build a transparent and efficient model for infrastructure project preparation, enabling structured and financially sustainable recovery. According to her, close coordination with international partners creates a solid foundation for attracting further investment and ensuring strategic justification of recovery initiatives.

The parties also discussed expanding the project portfolio under the PPF mechanism, particularly in transport and energy infrastructure, contributing to Ukraine’s accelerated integration into the European space. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their commitment to the agreed roadmap for advancing pilot projects.

Commentary of the Institute of Danube Research

Experts of the Institute of Danube Research stress that modernization of the M-15 Odesa–Reni corridor has both national and macro-regional significance for the Lower Danube area. It represents a structural element of an integrated transport and logistics framework connecting road, port, and border infrastructure with neighboring EU member states.

The application of the PPF mechanism enables a transition from fragmented planning toward a program-based approach grounded in comprehensive pre-investment analysis, environmental safeguards, and alignment with European mobility and decarbonization policies. In the context of shifting logistics flows and the growing role of Danube ports, systematic project preparation with the support of international financial institutions is a decisive factor in strengthening the resilience of southern Ukraine and deepening its European integration.