From July 2026, the Danube Commission has completely stopped using the Russian language. From now on, the only working languages of the international organization are English and German.

This decision was yet another important step in strengthening the international isolation of the aggressor state and eliminating Russian influence from the activities of international institutions. It completes the process initiated at the initiative of Ukraine and supported by the member states of the Danube Commission.

The decision was adopted on the basis of the Ukrainian compromise proposal during the 102nd session of the Danube Commission. According to it, from January 23, 2025, English and German became the only languages of interpretation during meetings, and from July 2026, Russian completely stopped being used also in documents and internal work of the Secretariat of the Commission.

“The complete rejection of the Danube Commission from using the Russian language is the result of the consistent and professional work of the Ukrainian delegation. I sincerely thank our specialists who for many months conducted difficult negotiations, sought compromises and convinced partners to support this historic decision. This is an example of how persistent diplomatic work can change international institutions, depriving the aggressor state of the tools of influence and privileges that seemed unchanged for decades,” said Andrii Kashuba, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

The achievement was the result of the joint work of the The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Shipping Administration and the Embassy of Ukraine in Hungary.

The Russian language has been used in the work of the Danube Commission continuously since its establishment in 1949. Its complete exclusion from the organization’s activities became an important symbol of irreversible changes in international institutions.

Today, the presence of the Russian Federation in the Danube Commission has been completely terminated: Russian representatives have left the organization, and the Russian language has completely ceased to be used in the work of the international organization thanks to Ukraine's proactive position.

The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the member states of the Danube Commission for their principled position, political will, and support for a decision based on respect for international law and common European values.

The decision of the Danube Commission is an example of how diplomatic unity and consistency can change international institutions in accordance with modern challenges.

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