European Parliament urges EU to consider naval operation in the Black Sea

The European Parliament has called on the European Union to consider a naval operation in the Black Sea following attacks on civilian vessels and airspace violations in the region. The resolution was supported by 432 MEPs, while 52 voted against and 88 abstained.

The Parliament condemned recent deadly attacks near Bulgaria and Romania, as well as repeated violations of Romanian airspace. MEPs held Russia responsible for attacks on civilian vessels and the expansion of the war into the western Black Sea.

The European Parliament urged EU member states that are also NATO members to help Bulgaria and Romania detect and track hostile drones threatening maritime traffic. It also called for the accelerated establishment of a maritime security centre in the Black Sea.

In addition, the Parliament proposed using unspent funds from the SAFE programme to support Bulgaria and Romania. MEPs said the EU’s long-term budget should also provide funding for regional security and defence needs.

The Parliament also expressed concern over the Bulgarian government’s ambiguous stance on the Russian threat. It urged Sofia not to delay NATO’s initiative to counter hostile drones. The resolution aims to strengthen maritime security and protect shipping in the Black Sea.

Tags: Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Black Sea region, war, Black Sea grain corridor