EU pledges €50 million for Black Sea maritime security in Romania and Bulgaria
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced additional funding for Romania and the maritime security hub planned for Constanța and Varna, further emphasising the importance of Black Sea security for Europe’s eastern flank.
Speaking about Europe’s support for Romania, von der Leyen said the European Union stands in "full solidarity" with the country and that it can "count on a firm and united European response."
She highlighted the immediate support that Europe can provide through satellite imagery from Copernicus.
"We will now accelerate work on the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, with a clear timeline for completion, and dedicated funding of 50 million euros," von der Leyen added.
According to Euronews, the security hub could become operational in the first half of next year.
The hub will have three main objectives: protecting critical infrastructure, sharing information between the two countries, and supporting trade, Euronews Romania correspondent Florentina Lazar explained.
Following his meeting with von der Leyen, Romanian President Nicușor Dan stressed that the Black Sea is a key hub for global trade and Europe's energy security. He also underlined the importance of regional security for Ukraine.
Dan said that a stable peace in Ukraine and an effective reconstruction process would not be possible without a secure Black Sea.
"We have had numerous incidents in the Black Sea in recent times, a whole spectrum of hybrid warfare, in which, obviously, Russia is attempting to escalate the conflict it started five years ago in Ukraine and involve European countries in this conflict," the Romanian president said.
The European funding announcement comes after Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev accused Romania of being indirectly responsible for attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea. Radev said Bucharest had blamed Russia without providing evidence.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament has also condemned attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea through a resolution holding Russia responsible.
More than 570 security incidents have occurred in the Black Sea this year alone, while at least 40 sailors have lost their lives as a result of the attacks, according to reports.
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