EU Pledges Up to €70 Million for Black Sea Security and Rescue After Drone Attacks Hit Nine Cargo Ships

The European Union has pledged up to €70 million to strengthen Black Sea maritime security and rescue services after drone attacks struck at least nine cargo ships near Romania and Bulgaria in October, killing several sailors and leaving others missing. ⠀ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced €50 million in proposed funding to accelerate a joint maritime security hub run by the two EU and NATO members, alongside €10 million each for search-and-rescue operations in Romania and Bulgaria. ⠀ Visiting Bucharest on November 9 and the Bulgarian port of Varna on November 10, von der Leyen called for urgent action to protect commercial shipping. The hub is intended to improve maritime surveillance, share information on threats and help safeguard critical infrastructure along a route important to Ukrainian exports, trade and food supplies. ⠀ The European Commission aims to have the hub operational in 2027. A joint working group will draw up the implementation plan, while the EU has offered immediate surveillance support through its Copernicus satellite system. ⠀ Romania has accused Russia of attacks on civilian vessels but says individual incidents require forensic investigation. Bulgaria has not directly blamed Moscow, and Russia denies involvement. NATO has also announced plans to reinforce its Black Sea presence with patrol aircraft, radars and drones.