Ukraine, Romania, and the EU are strengthening logistics cooperation in the Danube region

Trilateral meeting on port infrastructure and shipping development held in Galati

The Romanian city of Galati hosted a trilateral meeting of representatives of Ukraine, Romania, and the European Commission as part of the Solidarity Roads initiative. The event was aimed at strengthening cooperation in the Danube region and coordinating efforts to develop transport infrastructure, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

The Ukrainian side was represented by the head of the USPA, Oleksandr Semyryga, and his deputy, Viacheslav Kharkavenko. The Romanian side was represented by Angela Stela Ivan, Director General of the Lower Danube Authority, and officials from the Ministry of Transport. Representatives of the Danube Commission and the European Commission, led by Alan Baron, also joined the discussion.

The parties agreed to improve the PRIMUS information platform for more efficient data exchange between Ukrainian and Romanian port authorities. The parties also discussed measures to ensure the safety of navigation and the development of logistics capabilities in the region.

The participants confirmed their intention to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding as a basis for a long-term partnership.

“The Danube ports have become Ukraine’s key logistics gateway to Europe. That is why it is important to develop and increase systematic, transparent and technological cooperation with Romanian and European partners right now,” said Oleksandr Semyryga.

The meeting demonstrated a common desire to integrate the transport networks of Ukraine and the EU, which is especially important in the context of the war and Ukraine’s upcoming accession to the European Union.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in January-March 2025, Ukrainian ports handled 23 million tons of cargo. Traditionally, the largest transshipment volumes are accounted for by the ports of Greater Odesa, which provided 20.7 million tons of cargo turnover. In April this year, transshipment reached 6 million tons, including 3.1 million tons of grain and 1 million tons of iron ore.

In 2024, Ukrainian ports handled 18.5 million tons of ore cargo. The total cargo turnover reached a record high of 97.2 million tons, up from 62 million tons in 2023, and exports amounted to 88.1 million tons.