EU urges Black Sea security hub as Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye deepen cooperation
The European Union has called for closer maritime security cooperation between Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the rapid establishment of the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub.
Speaking alongside Romanian President Nicusor Dan in Bucharest on Monday, von der Leyen stressed the need for a stronger European response to growing security threats in the Black Sea.
She welcomed the closer cooperation among the three countries, warning that recent drone attacks targeting commercial vessels off the Black Sea coast had resulted in sailors losing their lives, while others remained missing.
EU steps up maritime surveillance and emergency response
Von der Leyen stressed that freedom of navigation in the Black Sea must be restored and protected, describing the region as vital for European security, Ukraine's economy and global food supplies.
She also called for stronger maritime surveillance and improved protection against foreign information manipulation, warning that hostile actors were using disinformation to spread fear and undermine democratic institutions.
As part of the EU's response, she announced an additional €10 million in funding for Romanian authorities to strengthen search and rescue operations.
The funding is intended to improve Romania's ability to respond rapidly and effectively to maritime incidents.
EU reaffirms support for Ukraine ahead of Abu Dhabi talks
Turning to the upcoming US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's support for Kyiv.
She said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had requested assistance from European partners ahead of the talks, adding that ending Russia's war against Ukraine must remain the central objective.
The European Commission president also confirmed that the EU was preparing a post-war prosperity plan aimed at supporting Ukraine's stability and reconstruction.
Von der Leyen stressed that discussions on Europe's future security architecture could only take place after a ceasefire in Ukraine had been achieved. She added that such discussions should involve the appropriate European and NATO partners.
Moscow opposes direct European participation
Russia has maintained that the US-mediated negotiations should remain strictly trilateral, involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States, without direct European participation.
The Abu Dhabi meetings, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, represent the fourth round of US-mediated negotiations under the Trump administration and the first since the previous round in Geneva in February.
Source:AA
