The European Union (EU) has adoption of a new strategic approach to foster a stable and secure Black Sea region, revealed Kaja Kallas, serving as the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy/vice-president of the European Commission.
This area is recognised for its significant strategic relevance to EU interests, including aspirations of regional countries to join the EU.
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The new Strategy for the Black Sea comes in response to various security challenges, such as airspace violations, assaults on ports and maritime routes, and the presence of naval mines attributed to Russian activities.
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “An active role of the European Union is crucial in advancing security and peace in the Black Sea region especially with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
“We will closely work with our neighbours to foster security and stability in the region. Together we can build a stronger and more prosperous future for all.”
Central to this strategy is the enhancement of security measures within the Black Sea vicinity. The EU plans to establish a new Maritime Security Hub designed to bolster its capabilities in responding to threats.
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By GlobalDataAdditionally, there are initiatives aimed at upgrading transport infrastructure to facilitate military mobility. This will ensure that troops and equipment can be rapidly deployed as needed, said Kaja Kallas.
Expected to be Europe’s early warning system in the Black Sea, this hub will improve situational awareness and help protect critical infrastructure, such as offshore installations and subsea cables.
The potential role of the new Maritime Security Hub also includes overseeing any peace agreements between Russia and Ukraine. In addition, the EU is prioritising efforts to address the significant hazard posed by mines in the Black Sea.
To further bolster security, there are proposals to enhance regional transportation infrastructure. These upgrades encompass ports, railways, roads, and airports to ensure they are capable of handling heavy military equipment. Improving these facilities is crucial for rapid troop deployment and equipment transport, thereby reinforcing deterrence capabilities and supporting Nato’s objectives in the region.
In conjunction with infrastructural improvements, there is an initiative to implement stricter scrutiny over foreign ownership in ports and critical infrastructure to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities.
Recognising that the Black Sea region is a primary target for hybrid threats, the EU is set to increase collaboration efforts aimed at countering cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other forms of hostile activities. Investments will be directed towards Artificial Intelligence technologies designed to combat disinformation.
Additionally, there will be support for media literacy programmes and the expansion of networks dedicated to fact-checking as part of a comprehensive approach to fortify defences against hybrid warfare tactics.
The next steps include a proposal by the European Commission and the High Representative for a dedicated EU ministerial meeting with partner countries to further cooperation under this strategic approach.
Recently, the European Council approved a regulation establishing the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a new financial tool designed to back EU member states keen to invest in defence capabilities via collective procurement.
