European Union Emphasizes Importance of Enhancing Security in Black Sea and Danube River

Brussels, October 20 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed on Tuesday the importance of enhancing security in the Black Sea and the Danube River by improving early detection capabilities and real-time information sharing. She noted that the MARSUR network, operated by the European Defence Agency, enables member states to share maritime surveillance information and strengthen common situational awareness in the maritime domain.

In a speech before the European Parliament, Kallas said that the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre, being jointly established by Romania and Bulgaria with EU support, would contribute to strengthening these capabilities. She emphasized the need to accelerate collective decision-making in the event of serious incidents and to improve coordination during major hybrid crises, including cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

She added that the European Union is working on developing defense capabilities and jointly procuring equipment to address air and maritime threats, including through the Drones Capability Alliance and the Eastern Flank Monitoring Initiative, which supports enhanced surveillance and defense from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea in close coordination with NATO.

Kallas pointed out that the EU is also working with international partners, including Turkey, India, African food-importing countries, and Global South nations, to advance arrangements that ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. (End) A.R.N. / M.Kh.