The Black Sea and the Global Impact on Food Security – in partnership with the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania

The panel was chaired by Mr. Teodor Trașcă, Vice-rector (USAMV), who was joined by Mr. Taras KACHKA, Deputy Minister of Economy, Ukraine, Mr. Jean VALVIS, Chairman, General Director, Valvis Holding, Romania, Ms. Svitlana KOVALCHUK, Executive Director, Yalta European Strategy, Ukraine, and Mr. Mihail TĂNĂSESCU, Deputy General Manager, HIDRO SALT, Romania. The war in Ukraine has significantly challenged global food security, raising international law concerns and prompting the development of new initiatives and strategies to ensure stability and growth. Since 2022, driven improvements in the navigation system by enhancing the security of vital sea routes have become a priority. These advancements have been crucial as maritime traffic has increased and long-distance voyages have become more frequent. The ongoing conflict has necessitated the development of more resilient maritime infrastructure and logistics, highlighting the importance of strategic collaborations and innovations to safeguard global food supply chains. At the bilateral level, the effective collaboration between Romania and Ukraine significantly enhances regional stability and global food security. A vital element of this cooperation is the strategic utilization of the Constanta Port, which is emerging as a critical hub for maritime trade and the center of gravity in the Black Sea region. In this context, partnerships highlight the vital importance of strategic alliances among companies, governments, EU institutions, and NATO for addressing the complex challenges posed by the conflict, ensuring the stability of global food supply chains, and enhancing the resilience of affected regions. Furthermore, there is a necessity for comprehensive contingency plans for infrastructure and logistics alongside the development of robust national food security strategies. The involvement of construction companies in both the legal and operational implementation of these strategies is essential. Lastly, the importance of fostering responsible private sector development, ensuring balanced GDP growth between private and state sectors, and addressing pressing environmental concerns was highlighted.