Romania and Ukraine have successfully resolved a decades-long dispute concerning the Bystroe Canal, in which Ukraine is permitted to proceed with the development of the canal with the condition that the project adheres to environmental protection regulations, said Romania’s Environment Ministry, according to Euractiv.
The Romanian Environment Ministry stated on Saturday that, during the meeting of the parties to the Espoo Convention in Geneva, a decision was made to propose to the Convention Implementation Committee, scheduled to convene in February 2024, the removal of the warning issued to Ukraine for the Bystroe canal works, which was issued in 2008.
This proposal is contingent upon the Ukrainian authorities demonstrating the project’s compliance with the environmental protection regulations.
Romanian Environment Minister Mircea Fechet was satisfied with the decision, stating that “the significant progress regarding the Bystroe issue is that Ukraine has acknowledged the need to adhere not only to all European obligations for such a project but also the ability to do so.”
“The Ukrainian authorities have granted an environmental protection authorisation for the Bystroe project, conditional on initiating a monitoring program for species of interest in the Danube Delta, such as sturgeon, and protected ecosystems, before the start of any works,” said Fechet.
Ukrainian Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets shared news of the agreement on his Facebook page, emphasising their commitment to good neighbourly relations, respect for international law, and rectifying past mistakes.
The conflict dates back to 2004 when Ukraine began deepening the Bystroe Canal. Romania opposed the project, expressing concerns that transforming the canal into a route for maritime ships could lead to the depletion of a significant portion of the Danube Delta.
The project was halted after international intervention, but tensions reignited in February 2023 when the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure announced maintenance work on the waterway.