The second inaugural meeting of the Steering Board of the SENTINEL programme was held. The project involves EU and NATO countries and foresees the creation of a Joint Maritime Security Centre, which is expected to become a key platform for interagency coordination, real-time information exchange, and improved situational awareness in the maritime domain.

Among the key stages of programme implementation are the development of the concept of operations, accreditation of the DELTA system, personnel training, and the integration of national systems with relevant NATO and EU structures. The initiative is aimed at countering both military and hybrid threats in the Black Sea region and represents an important practical step towards Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Andrii Kashuba stressed that maritime security is of critical importance, and that the Ministry for Development is directly responsible for its civilian component. Maritime security is not only a military issue, but also includes operational matters: implementation of international conventions, compliance with the Port Facility Security Code, and maintaining an adequate level of safety at sea.

He also emphasized the importance of coordination among all maritime security stakeholders, especially in the context of ongoing armed aggression:

«The initiative to establish a Joint Maritime Security Centre is very timely, as proper coordination of efforts is the first and crucial step towards the effective implementation of maritime security measures in ports, at sea, and on inland waterways. Coordination is the foundation of successful implementation of all measures and of ensuring an adequate level of maritime security», —  the Deputy Minister said. 

Andrii Kashuba separately highlighted the role of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ensuring the functioning of the maritime corridor and ports, and thanked all maritime security stakeholders for their professional and dedicated work.

The implementation of the SENTINEL programme and the establishment of the Joint Maritime Security Centre are expected to become an important element in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience in the maritime domain and deepening practical cooperation with European and Euro-Atlantic partners.

The event was organised by the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine and brought together representatives of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition (marCC), the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the NATO Representation to Ukraine. 

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