During the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Danube proved its significance as a key logistical corridor for exports. In 2023, more than 29 million tons of cargo passed through its ports—a record-breaking figure, six times higher than pre-war levels. Consequently, the river has emerged not only as a “Plan B” amid the Black Sea blockade but also as a strategic route for delivering Ukrainian products to Europe.
“We are actively working on infrastructure development and international cooperation to integrate into the EU. One of the key priorities last year was the adoption of River Basin Management Plans, particularly for the Lower Danube. The Association’s team put in tremendous effort to engage all stakeholders. This Euro-integration document paves the way for improving water conditions in specific basins. We have no other choice—the Danube must become an internal EU river, with all the ecological and economic benefits that entails,” emphasized Yuriy Maslov, President of the Association of Ukrainian Regions “EU Strategy for the Danube Region” and Chairman of the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance.
The Danube, Europe’s second-largest river, connects 9 EU member states and 5 non-EU countries. This positions us to unite 14 nations of the Danube region into a single, thriving ecosystem. Earlier, Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stated that all countries of the Danube region, including Ukraine, should be members of the European Union.
“If in 2012 Ukraine was just taking its first steps in the Danube Program, playing a rather modest role, and in 2022, despite chairing the EU Strategy, couldn’t fully realize its potential due to the war, we now have a real opportunity to lead sustainable development processes. There are challenges that major countries must tackle together,” added Yuriy Maslov.
