Trilateral Meeting Fosters Danube Logistics Cooperation

The Romanian city of Galati became the focal point for a pivotal trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Romania, and the European Commission. This gathering, under the umbrella of the Solidarity Roads initiative, aimed to reinforce collaboration on transport infrastructure and shipping development along the Danube River — one of Europe’s most critical inland waterways. Delegates from all three parties convened to synchronize strategies that could boost regional connectivity and economic recovery, while addressing logistical challenges caused by geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.

Ukrainian Delegation Underscores Strategic Logistics Role

Leading the Ukrainian contingent was Oleksandr Semyryga, head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, accompanied by his deputy, Viacheslav Kharkavenko. Semyryga articulated the strategic importance of Danube ports as Ukraine’s principal gateway to European markets, especially under the strain of ongoing conflict and supply chain disruptions. The Ukrainian team stressed the necessity of cultivating systematic, transparent, and technologically advanced cooperation with Romanian and EU authorities to maintain the flow of goods and humanitarian aid.

Romanian Commitment to Danube Infrastructure

Representing Romania were high-level officials including Angela Stela Ivan, Director General of the Lower Danube Authority, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Transport. Romania’s engagement highlights its vested interest in securing the Danube corridor’s role as a backbone for European logistics and trade. Romanian authorities emphasized their commitment to modernizing port facilities, enhancing navigation safety, and fostering seamless cross-border trade that supports both national and EU-wide economic growth.

European Commission Champions Integration & Support

The European Commission was represented by Alan Baron and other officials from the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. Their participation signaled the EU’s firm commitment to integrating Ukraine’s transport systems with European networks. This alignment supports Ukraine’s pending EU accession by ensuring that transport regulations, technical standards, and infrastructure investments are compatible across borders. The Commission’s role also involves mobilizing funding and technical assistance to boost the resilience and efficiency of the Danube corridor.

Digital Transformation via PRIMUS Platform Enhancement

A major focus of the discussions was the upgrade of the PRIMUS information platform, a digital tool designed to improve data exchange between Ukrainian and Romanian port authorities. The enhancement aims to provide real-time cargo tracking, vessel scheduling, customs clearance information, and risk management alerts. By digitalizing port operations, the initiative seeks to reduce bottlenecks, increase transparency, and streamline logistics, contributing to more reliable and cost-effective shipping services on the Danube.

Ensuring Navigational Safety & Boosting Logistics Capacity

The meeting also tackled pressing issues related to navigational safety, given the Danube’s growing freight traffic and the geopolitical complexity of the region. Coordinated efforts will include updated safety protocols, enhanced monitoring systems, and improved emergency response capabilities to protect shipping routes. Furthermore, discussions addressed expanding the logistics infrastructure by investing in port equipment, upgrading storage facilities, and enhancing workforce training programs to meet increasing demand.

Preparing a Memorandum of Understanding for Enduring Partnership

To formalize this trilateral cooperation, the parties agreed to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding. This document will establish a long-term partnership framework, defining joint goals, shared responsibilities, and coordinated investment strategies. The MoU will serve as a cornerstone for sustaining dialogue, facilitating continuous improvements in transport integration, and ensuring the durability of collaborative projects between Ukraine, Romania, and the EU.

Contextualizing the Initiative Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

This trilateral initiative comes at a critical moment, as Ukraine continues to face armed conflict and strives for closer ties with the EU. Strengthening Danube logistics not only supports commercial activity but also enhances regional stability by securing vital supply chains for essential goods and humanitarian aid. The cooperation exemplifies how infrastructure development and cross-border collaboration can be powerful tools for resilience and economic recovery in a geopolitically volatile landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Ukraine, Romania, and the European Commission have agreed to modernize and digitally integrate Danube port operations via the PRIMUS platform upgrade.

• The trilateral partnership aims to improve navigational safety and logistics capacity to support increased trade and regional stability.

• A forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding will formalize this cooperation, reinforcing Ukraine’s integration with EU transport networks amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.