The European Union is allocating €50 million to accelerate a joint Romanian-Bulgarian project to establish a security hub in the Black Sea. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement following her meeting with Romanian President Nicușor Dan in Bucharest.
Ursula von der Leyen said that security in the Black Sea has become a strategic priority for the EU amid regional threats and attacks on merchant vessels. According to the European Commission president, the maritime security hub project will be fast-tracked, with a clear implementation timeline and dedicated funding.
The official reiterated her call for a ceasefire in the Black Sea region amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The European Union will also allocate an additional €10 million to Romania for search and rescue operations in the Black Sea, IPN reports. The funding will help strengthen crisis response capabilities and enhance border security.
Ursula von der Leyen also drew attention to risks in the information space, noting that drone incidents are often accompanied by manipulation campaigns and foreign interference. She stressed that these are not merely a communications challenge but also a security threat.
For his part, Nicușor Dan stressed the importance of strengthening security in the Black Sea and establishing the maritime hub. The Romanian president noted that the talks focused on Bucharest’s solidarity with Kyiv amid the war and support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.