The EU secures the Black Sea and efficients military transport in the face of Russian threat. The announcement that concerns Romania
The European Union presented a new strategy for the Black Sea on Wednesday, meant to allow the more efficient transport of heavy military equipment, given that Russian threat is planning on Eastern Europe.
The EU has revealed a major strategy for the Black Sea Photo Shutterstock
“Security in the Black Sea is also vital for European security”said the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, in a press conference.
She added that this region is currently undermined by the war triggered by Kremlin in Ukraine and by hybrid attacks on maritime infrastructure.
The strategy also comes in response to “Geopolitical challenges” in a world where “Dependencies are transformed into weapons”said Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Extension. The Black Sea is a bridge to the South Caucasus and Central Asia, but also a vital artery for energy and food trade, she said, notes Polito.
Regional investments
The Black Sea region was destabilized by Russia's invasion in Ukraine, the massive use of mines and military actions preventing the trade flow. Eastern European countries are afraid, separate from this context, from a possible aggression from Moscow beyond the borders of Ukraine and want to strengthen their defense capabilities.
Romania and Bulgaria are the only EU member states with exit to the Black Sea, and the community block will invest in the modernization of the regional infrastructure – ports, railways and airports – to allow the transport of heavy military equipment.
These investments will ensure that “The troops can reach where they are needed, when necessary”said Kallas.
Previously, the European Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, estimated that the modernization of the transport infrastructure in Europe for military use would cost around 75 billion euros.
Maritime security center
The EU also intends to create a Black Sea Sea security center, which works as a European warning system in the region. According to Kallas, this center will improve situational awareness and help the EU protect its critical infrastructure. The location, the operating mode and the costs of the center are to be set.
Another security measure provides for the closer monitoring of foreign owners of ports and other strategic facilities, Kallas added.
Regarding trade, the EU will develop new energy corridors, transport links and digital infrastructure together with regional partners, Kos said. The community block will also invest in the preparation of the coastal communities and the marine economy to cope with the environmental damages caused by the war and the risks associated with the climatic changes.
“Throughout the world, countries are looking for partnerships with trusted and predictable actors, and the EU is one of them”emphasized Kos. “Such partnerships will make us more secure and will create business opportunities for all.”
The European Commission mentioned Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan as partners with whom it wants to deepen relationships through the new strategy.
