Ukraine, EU, Romania and Moldova strengthen Danube export routes

Ukraine, the European Commission, Romania and Moldova have agreed to accelerate the development of alternative export routes through Danube ports following the temporary suspension of vessel calls at Ukrainian ports due to intensified Russian attacks. During a joint meeting, the parties discussed measures aimed at ensuring export continuity and strengthening the resilience of logistics chains.

The participants identified expanding the capacity of Danube ports, improving rail, road and border infrastructure, reducing customs and border clearance times, and enhancing coordination between transport, customs and border authorities as key priorities. They also discussed expanding transit opportunities for Ukrainian agricultural exports and attracting EU funding to modernise infrastructure under the Solidarity Lanes initiative and the TEN-T network.

First Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Serhii Derkach stressed that the Danube corridor must ensure the steady movement of Ukrainian cargo despite ongoing security threats. According to him, Ukraine and its partners are focused on eliminating bottlenecks, increasing the capacity of ports and border crossings, and creating predictable conditions for international transport.

The Ministry also noted that Ukraine continues to strengthen the protection of its port infrastructure. Deputy Minister Andrii Kashuba said that international cooperation, combined with enhanced security measures, is essential to maintaining uninterrupted maritime logistics and keeping civilian shipping operational despite continued Russian attacks.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue coordinating efforts to develop the Danube logistics cluster and further integrate Ukraine’s transport system into the European network. The initiative complements a broader series of international consultations launched to develop alternative export routes after disruptions to operations at the Greater Odesa ports.

The meeting on the Danube route was one of a series of international consultations initiated by Ukraine following restrictions on operations at the Greater Odesa ports. Earlier, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) announced a series of joint meetings with neighbouring countries aimed at increasing the capacity of border crossings and preparing alternative routes for Ukrainian exports.

Tags: export, Danube ports, Ukraine