In light of the recent attacks on civilian merchant vessels, the European Parliament has called upon the European Union to consider the deployment of a naval operation in the Black Sea. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have also advocated for increased support for Romania and Bulgaria in efforts to detect hostile drones, as well as measures to safeguard maritime transport and critical infrastructure.
Parliament has firmly condemned the recent strikes near the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania, along with repeated violations of Romanian airspace. It holds Russia accountable for these attacks on civilian vessels and for the escalation of its military aggression against Ukraine in the western Black Sea.
The resolution, adopted on Thursday, 22 October, received strong support: 432 votes in favour, 52 against, and 88 abstentions. The text underscores that these incidents reflect a discernible pattern of Russian escalation in which Moscow has systematically targeted civilian shipping. It states that Russia is a primary contributor to the deteriorating situation in the Black Sea region.
MEPs emphasise the need for the EU and its member states to consider deploying a naval operation in the Black Sea. They stress that ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security is essential to protecting NATO’s eastern flank, as well as the security of the Black Sea region and the Danube delta.
Additionally, MEPs urged NATO to explore a Black Sea initiative, building on ongoing discussions about establishing a ‘Black Sea Sentry.’ They also highlight the importance of enhanced regional cooperation among Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.
Bulgarian government’s weak diplomatic reaction
Commending the swift efforts of the Romanian and Bulgarian maritime rescue services, border police, and merchant vessels that assisted ships, MEPs also expressed concern over the Bulgarian government’s ambiguous handling of the Russian threat.
They regret Sofia’s weak diplomatic response to Russia and call on Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev to “match demands for allied solidarity with concrete action”. They also urge Bulgaria to stop delaying its participation in NATO’s anti-drone initiative ‘Air Defence Capabilities Against Lower-level Air Threats’.
More EU support for Romania and Bulgaria
The document highlights the importance of EU member states, in coordination with NATO, supporting Bulgaria and Romania in early detection and monitoring of hostile drones that could threaten Black Sea shipping. It also emphasises the urgent need for the European Union to operationalise the EU Black Sea maritime security hub initiative, which aims to enhance maritime safety and security, protect critical maritime infrastructure, and preserve the marine environment.
MEPs have called for allocating unspent EU funds from the SAFE instrument to help Romania and Bulgaria address these pressing challenges. They also assert that the forthcoming EU long-term budget should address a comprehensive range of security and defence requirements, especially in the Black Sea region.
Moreover, MEPs advocate for the EU and its member states to strengthen the protection and resilience of existing submarine telecommunications, electricity transmission, and data cable projects. They can do this through enhanced maritime surveillance, increased regional cooperation, and rapid-response mechanisms.
