The development of Danube ports has long-term strategic importance, — the Ministry of Development at URC 2026

The launch of a project to study the development of ports in the Danube region with the support of the EBRD was announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026.

The development of Danube ports is of not only anti-crisis but also long-term strategic importance for Ukraine. This was stated by Deputy Minister for Development of Communites and Territories Development Andriy Kashuba during a panel discussion at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026.

“It was the Danube that provided an alternative route for the export of Ukrainian products and supported the stability of foreign trade. Today, the development of the Danube Logistics Route has not only anti-crisis but also long-term strategic importance. We see significant potential in the development of port infrastructure and deepening cooperation with European partners. An important component of this process is shipbuilding and ship repair,” the official emphasized.

During the panel, the launch of a project to study the development of ports in the Danube region with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was announced. The bank representatives emphasized that the integration of the Solidarity Routes and the TEN-T network already allows Ukraine to supply products to 55 countries of the world.

Separately, the participants discussed the connection of Ukrainian ports with EU ports, energy sustainability and digitalization of processes. The Deputy Minister also held a meeting with the Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis, where he discussed the security of Ukrainian ports and counteraction to the Russian “shadow fleet”.

Also, the day before, the USPA and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges signed a memorandum of cooperation.