On 1 January 2025, Ukraine took over the coordination of the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) for the Black Sea, following Moldova’s CMA coordinating role in 2024. Ukraine aims to build on Moldova’s success by addressing the CMA goals and priorities in the Black Sea region.
Strategic Priorities for 2025
Ukraine’s leadership will focus on enhancing awareness of the Black Sea CMA and broadening its engagement with stakeholders in the Black Sea region and blue economy. A key priority focuses on the exchange of best practices, particularly on the need for joint environmental monitoring, including the impact of the current war (e.g. sea mines and pollution) on the sea basin , which is a shared concern for Black Sea countries. Other key objectives include discussing the latest advancements in green ports, innovative transportation systems, and modern maritime infrastructure.
Another priority will be continuing the work of the SustAqua Technical Group while supporting the establishment of a new group dedicated to sustainable tourism and underwater heritage under the leadership of Türkiye and Georgia.
Alignment with EU Maritime Policy
Committed to harmonizing policies and practices in view of EU enlargement, Ukraine aims to exchange best practices and lessons learnt on the implementation of key EU directives, such as the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC). This alignment underscores Ukraine’s dedication to sustainable marine development and environmental protection.
Supporting Regional Stakeholders
To empower local and regional stakeholders, the Ukrainian National Coordinator plans to facilitate access to funding and raise awareness of available funding opportunities. These efforts aim to spur public and private investments toward the growth of the blue economy, ensuring the region benefits from sustained economic development.
Addressing War-Related Challenges
While pursuing regional goals, Ukraine’s coordination will also address specific challenges arising from its unique circumstances. One pressing issue is marine and riverine pollution caused by the ongoing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Tackling this pressing issue will require innovative approaches and collaborative efforts from all CMA countries and stakeholders.
A Comprehensive Vision
Ukraine’s leadership of the Black Sea CMA in 2025 represents a commitment to regional cooperation, sustainability, and resilience. By building on past achievements and addressing emerging challenges, Ukraine aims to strengthen the collective efforts of Black Sea countries, creating a more sustainable future for the region’s maritime environment.