Rebuild Ukraine Forum 2026  /  Panel IVc  /  22 October 2026

The speakers emphasized the need to transition from competition to strategic cooperation among the Danube ports to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. George Scutaru highlighted the importance of creating an integrated logistics hub linking Central Europe to southern Ukraine, drawing attention to the security risks posed by Russia’s hybrid warfare and proposing a NATO No-Fly Zone over Ukrainian Danube ports. Nicolae Tivilichi presented the major EU-funded investments in the ports of Galați, Brăila, and Tulcea, detailing the development of a dual-use (commercial and military mobility) multimodal platform and the adaptation of railway infrastructure for broad-gauge trains.

From the Ukrainian perspective, Vitalii Nikula and Serhii Makohoniuk firmly supported the vision of regional integration, proposing port specialization (liquid vs. solid cargo) to optimize flows and accelerate customs procedures, despite severe security challenges caused by constant Russian airstrikes. Additionally, Mathias von Tucher emphasized the essential role of the Giurgiulești Port for Moldova’s logistical independence, highlighting the need for further investments, overcoming bureaucratic border bottlenecks, and avoiding redundant infrastructure through the diversification and specialization of regional terminals.