On Monday, September 9th, 2024, the project “Institutional Support to the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine in the Implementation of the EU Acquis, Norms and Standards on Maritime Safety” has officially started. This project is part of the Twinning program and aims to integrate the Ukrainian maritime transport system into the EU standards. The project is implemented jointly with the Italian maritime and river transport regulatory authorities.
The project will help modernize and improve the efficiency of the Ukrainian maritime transport system, fulfill Ukraine's international obligations in the field of port state, flag state and coastal state control, maritime education and the protection of human life at sea. The implementation of international standards will also ensure a higher level of maritime safety and training in maritime education.
The implementation of this project will allow Ukraine to strengthen its position internationally. Harmonization of legislation with EU standards will improve interaction with European partners and create favourable conditions for the development of international trade through Ukrainian ports. In particular, the introduction of higher safety standards will make Ukrainian ports more attractive to international shipping companies. At the same time, the project is aimed at fulfilling Ukraine's international obligations to ensure an appropriate level of protection of human life in the Black and Azov Seas.
In addition, the project will contribute to raising the level of maritime education in Ukraine, which will better prepare a new generation of maritime professionals who will be able to work both in Ukraine and abroad, meeting the highest international requirements.
The Twinning project is an important step towards Ukraine's European integration, as it helps not only to modernize national institutions but also to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime transportation, which is essential for economic development. This cooperation with the EU is an unprecedented opportunity for our country to develop its potential in the maritime industry, making it safer and more competitive on the global stage.
For reference: according to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ukraine “On Approval of the Procedure for Initiation, Preparation and Implementation of the Twinning Projects” as of 11 October 2016 No 700 the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service coordinates the implementation of the institution building instrument of the European Union Twinning in Ukraine. Furthermore, in accordance with relevant legal acts the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service is the coordinator of institution building instrument TAIEX implementation in Ukraine. In order to provide effective coordination of Twinning and TAIEX the Twinning Program Administration Office in Ukraine was established, its functions are performed by the Center for Adaptation of the Civil Service to the Standards of the European Union.
