European Commission Vice President outlines priorities for Black Sea security

We must protect security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea region, improve defense mechanisms against threats, keep transport routes open, and develop mobility, connectivity and readiness. The priorities for security in the Black Sea region were outlined by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas at the Black Sea Security Conference held today in Chisinau.

Kaja Kallas said “the Black Sea region has been a battleground for Russia,” and “Russia’s aggression has manifested itself through the invasion of Georgia in 2008, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and up to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”

“Millions of Ukrainians have needed major security in the Black Sea region. The priorities are clear. We must protect security and freedom of navigation in this vital region, improve defense mechanisms against threats, keep transport routes open and develop mobility, connectivity and readiness,” the European Commission Vice President stated in a video message presented at the conference.

The official also highlighted the need to establish a security hub in the region.

“If we talk about security and a security hub, this will be the first early warning system in the Black Sea. It will also help to strengthen infrastructure and ensure all necessary facilities. We are ready to provide all necessary support to Romania and Bulgaria. This is also a contribution to regional security in Ukraine, Turkey and Moldova, and they must also be involved,” said Kaja Kallas.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also referred to “attempts at manipulation and external interference” in the context of our country’s parliamentary elections, noting that “we can become stronger through the lessons learned.”

Kaja Kallas emphasized the efforts being made to achieve peace in the region.

“We are set to build peace in the region, and the European Union is number one in this support. Russia is not interested in peace in Ukraine or in the Black Sea region. European attention is focused on European defense, including the new security strategy for regions where we face threats. We understand that this is a long-term threat in the Black Sea region, and we will fight for peace in the region,” the European Commission Vice President concluded.

The Republic of Moldova is hosting today the Black Sea Security Conference under the aegis of the International Crimea Platform. The meeting is co-organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, with the support of the European Union.

The Black Sea Security Conference is now in its third edition. The event continues the dialogue launched in Bucharest in 2023 and in Sofia in 2024, in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.