The business community has responded to the bill on seaports: here’s what they’re proposing
13 May 17:06
The European Business Association (EBA) is calling on the Verkhovna Rada to revise draft law No. 15063 of March 9, 2026, which provides for the allocation of a portion of port fees to fund measures for the protection of seaports. They are asking for a specific fee to be identified to fund these measures. This is stated in a statement by the European Business Association, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The EBA states that it supports the approach whereby funding for measures to protect port infrastructure under martial law will be provided through port fees.
At the same time, the business community emphasizes that clear and transparent mechanisms for cooperation between the state, the military, and the business sector are necessary for the effective implementation of such decisions.
“For companies that provide logistics, foreign trade, and supply chain continuity, the issue of physical protection of seaports is critically important,” the statement reads.
Therefore, the member companies of the association’s logistics committee consider it logical and reasonable that a portion of the revenue generated by the port system’s operations be used specifically for its protection.
At the same time, the business community emphasizes that the tools proposed by the draft law require a clear implementation mechanism.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
In particular, this involves a clear division of roles between the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and businesses operating within the ports or using their infrastructure.
“The roles and powers of the USPA, military command, departmental paramilitary security, and business entities must be clearly defined, along with a formalized procedure for making joint decisions regarding the organization of port infrastructure protection,” the statement reads.
Businesses propose adopting an approach already tested as part of a government pilot project to involve companies in strengthening air defense.
“Its key advantage is the existence of a formalized coordination model between government agencies, military command, and companies,” the association explains.
In addition, during the finalization of the draft law, the business community is asking for the establishment of a specific port fee to finance security measures.
“Business wants to see a transparent procedure for using funds from port fees and a balance between security measures and the continuous operation of ports. It also wants ‘mechanisms to prevent the forced imposition of services provided by departmental paramilitary security forces on businesses,’” the statement reads.
The Association’s experts are ready to participate in refining this document within the framework of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure and have previously submitted their proposals for it, the statement notes.
Recall: In January 2026, it was reported that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia had destroyed and damaged 686 port infrastructure facilities, 150 civilian vessels, and nearly 24,000 railway infrastructure facilities.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
