On March 27, 2026, the sixth Steering Committee Meeting of the Twinning 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» took place online. The beneficiary of this important European integration project is the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine (Shipping Administration).
The Twinning project is aimed at achieving practical results in the field of maritime transport. Its implementation предусматривает strengthening the functions of the port State, flag State and coastal State, improving the quality of maritime education, and enhancing the maritime safety system. The implementation of EU standards will contribute to the development of a modern, efficient and transparent maritime transport system.
During the meeting, the Italian side presented the results of the project implementation, including progress in monitoring and the practical implementation of activities. Participants highlighted the effective cooperation between the Ukrainian side and European partners, as well as the important role of coordination and expert support in ensuring the proper implementation of planned activities. Particular attention was paid to the regional dimension of cooperation, including interaction with the Republic of Moldova as a partner country in the process of approximation to EU standards. Such exchange of experience contributes to a more coherent implementation of European approaches and strengthens the capacity of the countries in the region.
Special attention was also given to the next steps in project implementation. In particular, it is envisaged to complete ongoing activities covering the inspection of fishing vessels, the development of seafarers’ professional competencies in line with EU standards and the STCW Convention, as well as the verification of maritime education and training institutions.
In addition, study visits to Italy are planned to facilitate the exchange of experience in inspections, the implementation of EU standards and the functioning of training centres. The possibility of participation in parallel initiatives at the political level is also being considered, which will further strengthen institutional capacity and ensure the effective implementation of the project.
The implementation of this Twinning project represents an important step towards Ukraine’s approximation to European Union standards in the field of maritime transport and maritime safety. The consistent implementation of planned activities, active cooperation with European partners and the exchange of best practices lay the foundation for sustainable changes in the sector and contribute to Ukraine’s integration into the single European transport area.
Marta Mohilevska, Deputy Head of Unit of Twinning Programme Administration Office, also took part in the event on behalf of the Center for Adaptation of the Civil Service to the EU Standards.
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.
