Romania’s top defense council will accelerate Black Sea monitoring and mine and drone response capabilities, citing vessel attacks and risks to energy facilities in Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The council said the ship strikes reflected Russia’s broader aggression beyond Ukraine. It described risks to freedom of navigation and critical Black Sea energy projects as a security crisis for Romania. It called for measures to protect lives, preserve access to Romanian ports and safeguard energy facilities in the country’s EEZ.
Reuters reported attacks on at least seven cargo ships near the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts over two weeks, alongside reports of about 30 sailors dead or missing. NATO said Oct. 20 it would add drones, radar equipment and patrol aircraft for Black Sea operations.
Romania plans to work more closely with fellow NATO members Bulgaria and Turkey. Council members also discussed closer allied coordination, strengthening deterrence and defense along NATO’s Eastern Flank, and possible responses to Black Sea threats.
The Bulgarian government said Bulgaria and Türkiye agreed to work more closely with Romania on Black Sea navigation, as EconoTimes previously reported. The council said Romanian authorities would conduct exercises to improve their response.
