On 27–28 October 2025 in Constanța, Romania, the Ukrainian delegation chaired the annual Black Sea Common Maritime Agenda Stakeholder Conference 2025. Ukraine currently holds the CMA presidency and, as the host country, moderated the programme sessions and chaired the meeting of the Steering Committee.

Key topics included:

• the EU’s new strategic approach to the Black Sea region and its implementation through the European Pact for the Oceans;
• innovations in maritime spatial planning;
• financing innovation at the level of coastal communities, support for early-stage start-ups, and mechanisms such as the Black Sea Accelerator.

The Ukrainian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, research institutions, local authorities, and civil society.

Ukraine presented a coherent policy to strengthen maritime research and innovation, focusing on the following priorities:

• documenting and addressing the negative impacts of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine on the Black Sea ecosystem and blue economy sectors;
• consolidating international support for restoring marine research infrastructure using the latest innovations;
• integrating security considerations into maritime spatial planning;
• developing ocean literacy through increased awareness, effective science communication, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

The Ukrainian Maritime Cluster (UMC) was represented by:

• Artem Vashchylenko, Chair of the Supervisory Board of UMC, Director of the Business Support Centre LLC;
• Olena Zhukova, Executive Director of UMC, Director of MDEM LLC and MDEM Intl;
• Mykhailo Mykhailov, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Educational Activities, Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding;
• Tetiana Shulichenko, Head of the Department of Economic Development, Mykolaiv City Council;
• Vitaliy Lukov, First Deputy Mayor of Mykolaiv.

During the plenary session “Financing Innovation and Start-ups at the Level of Coastal Communities”, Tetiana Shulichenko described how regional investment instruments and financing models stimulate local entrepreneurship, support innovation, and enhance economic resilience, drawing on successful projects and initiatives implemented in Mykolaiv.

As part of the #BlackSeaCMA2025 programme, two parallel workshops were held. These interactive sessions explored how innovation can strengthen the resilience of Black Sea coastal communities, focusing on two key themes: ocean literacy and innovative blue skills, as well as maritime spatial planning and offshore renewable energy. Representatives from Mykolaiv actively participated in the second workshop, contributing to the development of project ideas that promote inclusive and balanced maritime spatial planning by integrating blue economy development, environmental protection, and community needs.

UMC representatives also participated in the 2024 Black Sea Common Maritime Agenda Stakeholder Conference.