The European Parliament has called on the EU to consider the possibility of conducting a naval operation in the Black Sea following deadly attacks on civilian vessels.
The resolution was adopted on October 22. It was approved by 432 members of the European Parliament, with 52 voting against and 88 abstaining.
The document states that attacks on civilian shipping are part of a systematic escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine. MEPs emphasized that freedom of navigation and maritime security are vital for protecting NATO’s eastern flank, the Black Sea region, and the Danube Delta.
Parliament also called on NATO to consider a separate initiative for the Black Sea, specifically based on previous discussions of the “Black Sea Sentry” concept.
In addition, the MEPs called for strengthened cooperation between Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.
The resolution paid special attention to protection against hostile drones. MEPs called on the EU and NATO countries to help Romania and Bulgaria detect and track drones that pose a threat to shipping in the Black Sea.
The Parliament also called for the accelerated launch of a European maritime security center in the Black Sea. It is intended to help protect shipping, critical maritime infrastructure, and the environment. In addition, MEPs proposed redirecting unused funds from the SAFE instrument to assist Romania and Bulgaria in countering security threats.
The European Parliament also criticized the Bulgarian government for its insufficiently decisive diplomatic response to the threat from Russia and called on the country to participate more actively in NATO initiatives to counter drones.
The resolution emphasizes the need to strengthen the protection of undersea telecommunications, energy, and data transmission cable networks in the Black Sea region.
Ірина Глухова