On September 1, a founding online meeting of representatives of the ministries responsible for transport policy and infrastructure in Ukraine, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, as well as representatives of the European Commission was held. The central topic was the discussion of the TEN-T transport corridor “Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea”, with a special emphasis on the sections that should connect the Greek port of Alexandroupolis with the Ukrainian Odessa, via Varna and Constanta.
Ukraine was represented by the First Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, Alena Shkrum, and Deputy Ministers Oleksiy Balesta and Serhiy Derkach.
“We consider the development of new transport and logistics routes as a key factor in our economic stability and integration into the European space. We are interested in the development of additional and alternative routes that will make our international logistics less vulnerable in war conditions,” said Alena Shkrum.
Separately, Ukrainian representatives noted the importance of developing the infrastructure of the Danube region and its full inclusion in the TEN-T network. This will allow creating a sustainable alternative to sea and land routes, increasing the throughput capacity of Danube ports and integrating the transport system of Ukraine and Moldova into the European infrastructure.
Representatives of the European Commission confirmed the strategic importance of the region in the context of expanding the Baltic Sea - Black Sea - Aegean Sea corridor and emphasized their readiness to consider the possibilities of providing financing for the development of critical infrastructure.
The participants agreed to continue coordinating efforts to develop the corridor, including the Alexandroupolis-Odesa section, which should strengthen Ukraine's integration into the European transport space, as well as contribute to economic sustainability and both civilian and military mobility needs.