The European Union is releasing a new strategy for the Black Sea, aiming to connect the EU’s shores on that sea with the South Caucasus and Central Asia through a new security hub, with the goal of keeping the area safer and more connected.
The Black Sea Maritime Security will built upon the newly established Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, aiming to secure critical maritime infrastructure and the marine environment. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, commented that the new strategy reflects the current scenario in the area, with the war in Ukraine warranting some updated security measures.
“We propose a new Maritime Security Hub to strengthen our response, improvements to transport infrastructure to improve military mobility so troops and equipment can be where they are needed when they are needed, and an intention to boost our work to counter hybrid threats, of which the Black Sea is a prime target,” she said.
Transport, energy, and digital networks will be enhanced as part of the connectivity network, aiming to make the Black Sea a corridor for safe communication and trade with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The centrality of also this aspect of the strategy was highlighted by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who said, “Better regional connectivity will create new opportunities for trade and businesses. It will also help diversify energy supplies away from Russia. Both Europe and our partners in the region will be more secure and benefit economically.”
The strategy will be developed in collaboration with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Due to the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, one of the tenets of the strategy will help coastal communities in the area with response to war-related environmental damage, like oil spills or sunken ships. According to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, “an active role of the European Union is crucial in advancing security and peace in the Black Sea region especially with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
