On March 21, 2025, Ukraine officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA). This year marks a turning point—one of decisions, challenges, and cooperation toward a sustainable future for marine ecosystems, the development of the blue economy, and stronger regional partnerships.
This is not just leadership; it is a unique opportunity to shape the region’s future. For the first time since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine is coordinating the efforts of participating countries. The inaugural CMA meeting brought together key stakeholders: representatives of the European Commission, the Black Sea Commission, Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science, the scientific community, relevant ministries, and the Association “EU Strategy for the Danube Region.”
The priorities of Ukraine’s chairmanship reflect a new era of engagement: joint monitoring of sea mines as a shared threat to all Black Sea countries, the introduction of green technologies in ports, alignment with European maritime directives, and access to financial instruments for advancing the blue economy.
“The Black Sea is our shared responsibility. Its condition mirrors what is happening on land. Today, parts of our coastline are mined, others remain under occupation. That is why we are initiating a dialogue with partners about the environmental and economic consequences of Russian aggression,” the participants emphasized during the meeting.
Throughout 2025, a series of meetings, discussions, and joint initiatives with CMA member states and the EU are planned. This is our opportunity—to make the Black Sea safer, cleaner, and truly common.