The funding and the agreement between Romania and Bulgaria to build the center come amid an escalation of security challenges and drone attacks in the Black Sea region, with von der Leyen launching the tour against the backdrop of escalating security threats and frequent attacks in which innocent people have died.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured that deadlines will be set and the process will be accelerated within the agreement for the construction of the Black Sea Maritime Security Center between Romania and Bulgaria with EU assistance.
During her visit, von der Leyen also announced that Romania will receive funding of 10 million euros for search and rescue operations and over 16 million euros through the SAFE European financial instrument. Von der Leyen also congratulated Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey for how they cooperate regarding security in the Black Sea.
Escalating risks for shipping in the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone have involved damaged or sunken commercial ships following recent attacks, while rising war-risk insurance premiums and drifting mines have led transport companies to refuse courses to Bulgarian ports or disable automatic identification systems.
The situation sparked a diplomatic conflict after Romanian authorities blamed Russia for the attacks, prompting Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev to accuse Bucharest of provoking new attacks, whereas Bulgaria did not explicitly name a responsible party while noting logical connections to Russia without hard evidence.
Today, I begin a visit to the Black Sea region, where security threats are escalating, attacks are increasing, and innocent lives have been lost. In Romania and Bulgaria, I will meet with leaders to discuss the situation on the ground and how Europe can strengthen its response.…
During her remarks in Bucharest, Romanian President Nicușor Dan expressed Romania’s solidarity with Ukraine once again, voiced a desire for lasting peace, and emphasized the country’s support for the path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova toward integration into the European Union.
Furthermore, plans also provide for a specialized fund to support the ports in Varna, Burgas, and Constanța to ensure operational continuity, a mechanism for the protection and rapid restoration of critical underwater infrastructure, as well as absolute priority for joint infrastructure projects between Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, while the Grain Producers National Association reported that ongoing disruptions threaten the annual export of about five million tons of grain to Western Europe and North Africa requiring nearly 150 ships, creating preconditions for food supply problems and new migration pressure.
Von der Leyen to visit Bulgaria and Romania as EU steps up Black Sea security efforts https://t.co/dIDBk8X3hF Her trip comes amid growing concerns over attacks on commercial shipping, with Sofia and Bucharest working on a joint maritime security hub
Von der Leyen: 'I just arrived in Bucharest to offer Europe’s solidarity and support to Romania. Threats, attacks and incursions are rising off the coasts of the Black Sea. But Romania and Bulgaria can count on a strong, united European response.'