IMPLEMENTATION OF EUROPEAN STANDARDS IN THE FIELD OF LEGAL REGULATION OF WATER TRANSPORT

Abstract

This article examines the implementation of international law in Ukraine’s water transport sector, emphasizing the transformation of administrative-legal regulation of maritime and inland waterway transport amid European integration processes.

The study analyzes Ukraine’s efforts to harmonize its national legislation with European Union standards, as mandated by the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Key regulatory areas include ensuring navigation safety, promoting sustainable infrastructure development, and protecting human life, health, and the environment. Special attention is given to the role of maritime transport during martial law, highlighting its critical contribution to Ukraine’s economic security.

The article reviews recent normative acts aligning with EU directives, identifying challenges such as inter-agency coordination issues and slow implementation progress. It proposes recommendations to enhance institutional capacity, unify subordinate legislation, and improve professional training for transport personnel. Drawing on prior research by Ukrainian scholars, the study underscores the under-explored nature of international law implementation in this sector. The findings emphasize that, despite wartime challenges, Ukraine has intensified efforts to adopt EU standards, with legislative advancements like the Law on Inland Water Transport (2020) and various ministerial orders in 2022-2025. These steps aim to integrate Ukraine into the European transport system, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards and fostering economic resilience.