This policy brief explores the potential for cooperation between Ukraine and Romania within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a regional effort launched in 2015 to enhance North-South connectivity in Europe. The 3SI aims to address infrastructure, energy, and digital development gaps among 12 EU member states situated between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. While Ukraine is not yet a formal member, its strategic interest in the initiative has grown, particularly in light of the geopolitical shifts caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The analysis highlights Romania’s key role in the 3SI and its prioritization of projects such as the BRUA gas pipeline, Via Carpatia road network, Rail-2-Sea railway corridor, and energy sector digitization. The document emphasizes Ukraine’s interest in these projects as tools for enhancing economic resilience, energy diversification, and infrastructure connectivity with the European market. It also outlines potential security benefits for Ukraine through participation in joint regional defense and logistics initiatives.
Key recommendations include Ukraine’s formal integration into 3SI projects, increased cooperation with Romania in energy and transport sectors, and leveraging international partnerships to support Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The policy brief serves as a strategic roadmap for policymakers, analysts, and business stakeholders seeking to strengthen Ukraine-Romania relations within the Three Seas Initiative framework.

Sergiy Gerasymchuk-Policy Brief 2022