Key Highlights
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Ukraine becomes a party to the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Kyiv is re-elected to the FAO Council as a representative of the European region, thwarting attempts to create a separate Eurasian bloc favoring Russia and Belarus.
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The decisions were confirmed at the FAO Conference held in Rome from 28 June to 4 July 2025.
1. What the Agreement Means for Ukraine
Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA)
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Mandates strict port-inspection protocols to deny IUU vessels access to services.
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Enhances traceability of aquatic resources through electronic catch-documentation systems.
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Aligns Ukrainian fisheries regulation with EU and international best practices.
“Ukraine’s accession to the PSMA reinforces our commitment to sustainable fisheries and marine conservation, even in wartime conditions.”
— Ministry of Agrarian Policy
2. Diplomatic Wins at the FAO Conference
| Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|
| Re-elected to FAO Council | Maintains Ukraine’s voice in global food and agriculture policy. |
| Blocked creation of a Eurasian region | Prevents Russia and Belarus from securing automatic Council seats. |
| Participation in General & Credentials Committees | Expands Kyiv’s influence on procedural and governance matters. |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy coordinated the lobbying effort.
3. National Steps to Combat IUU Fishing
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Electronic traceability system for aquatic biological resources signed into law by President Zelensky.
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Ongoing harmonization of Ukrainian fisheries legislation with EU acquis.
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Enhanced cooperation between the State Fisheries Agency, customs, and maritime authorities for real-time data sharing.
4. Why It Matters
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Food-security leadership: Ukraine underscores its reliability as a grain and seafood supplier despite ongoing conflict.
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Environmental stewardship: Membership in the PSMA positions Ukraine as a regional leader in marine resource protection.
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Geopolitical resilience: Active participation in FAO governance counters Russian efforts to marginalize Ukraine in multilateral arenas.
5. Next Steps
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Implement PSMA-compliant port inspection procedures at all Black Sea and Danube ports by early 2026.
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Launch pilot projects for the new electronic catch-traceability platform.
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Prepare a public progress report for FAO’s next Committee on Fisheries meeting.
