A coordination meeting was held at the Ministry of Economy dedicated to the implementation of the priorities of Ukraine’s chairmanship of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPD). Representatives of central executive bodies, specialized institutions and the expert community responsible for the formation and implementation of water policy in the Danube basin joined the discussion.
Ukraine’s chairmanship began in December 2025, would last a year and would be carried out on the basis of an open national dialogue. This format allows for the formation of a coordinated state position and to strengthen the influence on the preparation and adoption of decisions in the Danube basin.
During the meeting, the key areas of work of the ICPDR for this period were presented:
– Overcoming the consequences of climate change by improving the management of droughts and floods;
– Systematic assessment of the environmental consequences of the war for the Danube basin and integration of this data into international cooperation;
– Support for the implementation of the Danube River Basin Management Plan in accordance with EU standards.
The process of creating a special group to assess the impact of military actions on water resources has also begun. Organizational solutions are currently being worked out to launch its work in the near future.
In addition, the participants of the meeting noted that special attention will be paid to the strategic rethinking of the role of the ICPDR.
“Ukraine’s chairmanship provides an opportunity to synchronize the policies of the basin states with European standards and determine long-term development guidelines for the Danube region. In conditions of war, the protection of water resources is of strategic importance, as water security affects the stability of the economy and communities,” emphasized Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
In addition, the participants emphasized the need to strengthen interagency cooperation and regular exchange of information with international partners. For the transboundary Danube basin, coherence of decisions and responsiveness remain key conditions for the ecological and economic sustainability of the region. (Economy Ministry)