The European Union has announced €50 million in dedicated funding to accelerate the development of a joint Black Sea Maritime Security Hub by Romania and Bulgaria.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the funding during visits to Bucharest on 9 November and Varna on 10 November, following drone incidents involving commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
The planned hub is intended to improve maritime surveillance and information-sharing between the two countries, help protect critical infrastructure and strengthen the security of key trade routes.
Von der Leyen said freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is essential to European security and to the flow of energy and food supplies.
The Commission has said work will be accelerated and a clear completion timetable set, but has not announced a firm date for the hub to become fully operational.
