European Parliament called on the EU to consider conducting a naval operation in the Black Sea

The European Parliament called on EU countries to consider the possibility of conducting a naval operation in the Black Sea to protect civilian shipping. The initiative is connected to Russian attacks on merchant ships near the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, which pose a threat to international transport and food exports.

The corresponding resolution was adopted by the European Parliament on October 22. 432 MEPs voted in favor, 52 against, and 88 abstained. The results of the vote were also reported by the Bulgarian National Radio.

The MEPs proposed assessing the feasibility of deploying a separate EU naval operation that could contribute to freedom of navigation and the safety of trade routes in the Black Sea region.

The resolution emphasizes that Russian strikes on civilian ships pose a danger not only to crews and carriers but also to international trade and food security. Particular attention is paid to the western part of the Black Sea, where routes related to Ukrainian exports and Danube ports pass.

Separately, the European Parliament called on NATO to consider a special Black Sea initiative, including based on the Black Sea Sentry concept. It provides for enhanced coordination among allies to detect threats to navigation and protect sea lanes.

European MEPs also proposed increasing assistance to Romania and Bulgaria in detecting and tracking Russian drones. This concerns the development of surveillance systems, early warning, and information exchange between EU and NATO member states.

Another proposal concerns accelerating the establishment of a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub. This mechanism is intended to ensure coordination of maritime situational awareness, sharing of data on threats, and protection of critical infrastructure, including undersea communications.

To enhance the security of Romania and Bulgaria, MEPs propose using unspent funds from the European defense instrument SAFE. In addition, they call for the needs of the Black Sea region to be taken into account in the preparation of the next EU long-term budget.

The resolution also criticized the Bulgarian government's stance on the Russian threat and urged Sofia to expedite joining the NATO initiative to counter drones. Bulgaria was asked to officially confirm its participation by October 30.

At the same time, the adoption of the resolution does not mean the launch of an EU naval operation in the Black Sea. The document is advisory in nature. For the practical deployment of such a mission, separate decisions by EU member states are necessary.

Earlier, "Kurs Ukrainy" reported that after a series of attacks on merchant ships, NATO increased its presence in the Black Sea region. Allies sent additional air patrol, reconnaissance, and surveillance assets near the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria.

The new European Parliament resolution provides for the possibility of expanding these measures at the EU level, in particular through a separate maritime operation and funding of security infrastructure.

Based on materials: European Parliament, Bulgarian National Radio, NOVA