This policy brief examines the strategic maritime cooperation between Ukraine and Romania, focusing on security, naval development, and economic collaboration in the Black Sea region. Despite shared interests, maritime cooperation between the two countries has historically been limited due to political and geopolitical complexities. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the evolving NATO-EU landscape have opened new opportunities for deepened collaboration.
The report explores past and present naval cooperation, detailing joint exercises, military modernization efforts, and Romania’s role as a NATO ally in regional security. It highlights shared risks, such as Russian naval aggression, port blockades, and hybrid warfare threats in the Black Sea. Additionally, the policy brief outlines the economic importance of maritime trade and the role of key ports like Constanta and Odesa in securing regional stability.
Key recommendations include strengthening joint naval exercises, increasing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, enhancing Danube security as an alternative transport route, and advancing Ukraine’s integration with NATO’s maritime strategy. The document provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities for maritime cooperation between Ukraine and Romania, offering insights for policymakers, security experts, and regional stakeholders.

Hanna Shelest- Policy Brief1 2022