The EU must establish a maritime security hub in the Black Sea. At the same time, the expansion of roads, energy and digital infrastructure must connect the EU and the regions around the Black Sea more closely together. These are some of the main points in the EU Commission's new strategy for the Black Sea. This is what the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, says.
- An active role from the EU is crucial to promoting security and peace in the Black Sea region. Especially with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We will work closely with our neighbours to promote security and stability in the region, says Ursula von der Leyen.
The Black Sea connects Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Therefore, the area is important for international trade as well as for food and energy security.
During the war in Ukraine, the Black Sea has been mentioned, among other things, in connection with Russia's blockade of Ukraine's exports of grain and food. As well as in connection with Russia's use of the so-called shadow fleet to export oil around EU sanctions.
In recent years, the EU has also tried to expand its role in the region. This has happened with the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. According to the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, the central goal of the strategy is to increase security in the region.
- We are proposing a new maritime security center to strengthen our response and to improve military mobility, so that troops and equipment can be where they are needed, says Kaja Kallas.
She also mentions combating hybrid threats to the Black Sea region as an important goal of the strategy. Kaja Kallas proposes a special EU ministerial meeting with partner countries in the region as the next step to strengthen cooperation on the strategy.
/ritzau/
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