In collaboration with partners, Ports of Stockholm is seeking funds through the Swedish Institute’s Ukraine Cooperation Program to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian ports into the European Union (EU) transport network.
Ports of Stockholm, along with the Odessa-based law firm Interlegal and the Baltic Ports Organization (BPO), is seeking funding from the Swedish Institute for a preparatory project. The goal is to foster cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine to support the integration of Ukrainian ports into the EU transport system.
If granted, the project will include several main activities, such as conducting a needs analysis, acquiring knowledge in applying for EU funds for community development and construction, and organizing study visits to a Baltic Sea port. These efforts aim to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian ports and improve conditions for future strengthened trade.
“It feels important that with our organization’s expertise and strength in, among other things, port management, logistics and sustainability, be part of supporting the Ukrainian ports’ way forward in modernizing and complying with EU standards in the field of transport. I see that this collaboration strengthens Ports of Stockholm’s commitment to excellence, sustainability and regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, creating mutual benefits for all parties involved”, commented Jens Holm, chair of the Board of Ports of Stockholm.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian ports managed approximately 160 million tonnes of cargo, accounting for around 60% of Ukraine’s trade turnover. However, the war has severely damaged Ukraine’s port infrastructure. Post-war efforts will require rebuilding, modernizing, and integrating Ukrainian ports into the EU transport network.
The project for which the three partners seek funding is part of Sweden’s cooperation with Ukraine. Through the Swedish Institute, Swedish entities, in partnership with Ukrainian counterparts, are given the opportunity to implement projects that support Ukraine’s reconstruction, reform efforts, and EU integration in areas such as economic development, trade, and democracy.
“The integration of Ukrainian ports into the EU transport network is a challenge. In this project, we see an opportunity to take the first steps to start that integration process. With our role as a platform for Baltic Sea ports and our knowledge of the EU regulatory framework, we are able to support the project on issues that Ukrainian ports may face during their integration process into the EU transport network, as well as create a network of contacts between the Ukrainian partners and ports around the Baltic Sea,” stated Bogdan Ołdakowski, secretary general of the Baltic Ports Organization.
If funded, the project will run from November 2024 to October 2025, with a total grant of over US$18,000.
Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022 and was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. In December 2023, EU leaders decided to open accession negotiations. Ukrainian transport infrastructure, including its ports, has been incorporated into the EU’s newly revised policy for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
