As a result of an agreement between the two countries, Ukraine can proceed with the development of the canal provided the project complies with environmental protection rules, according to Romania’s Environment Ministry.
The ministry reported on Saturday that the parties to the Espoo Convention met in Geneva, resulting in a decision to propose to the Convention Implementation Committee, which was scheduled to convene in February 2024, to cancel the warning issued to Ukraine over works on the Bystroe Canal, which was issued in 2008.
Environment Minister Mircea Fechet stated that “the significant progress regarding the Bystroe issue is that Ukraine has recognised the need to adhere not only to all European obligations for such a project but also the ability to do so.”
The Ukrainian authorities have granted an environmental protection authorisation for the Bystroe project, conditional on initiating a monitoring program for species of interest in the Danube Delta, such as sturgeon, and protected ecosystems, before the start of any works.
Ukrainian Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets announced the agreement, stressing the commitment to good neighbourliness, respect for international law and correction of past mistakes.
The conflict began in 2004, when Ukraine launched the deepening of the Bystry Canal. Romania opposed the project, expressing fears that turning the canal into a route for maritime vessels could deplete much of the Danube Delta.
The project was halted after international interference, but tension resurfaced in February 2023 when Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure announced maintenance work on the waterway.
