European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Varna a €50 million package to accelerate the Black Sea maritime security hub that Bulgaria and Romania are building together. The pledge follows a wave of naval-drone strikes on commercial ships near the coasts of the two NATO members.

At least nine cargo vessels were hit in the Black Sea last month, leaving seafarers dead and others missing. The incidents have sharpened concern that the Russia–Ukraine maritime war is becoming a direct challenge for NATO’s eastern flank and for freedom of navigation on a route vital for grain, energy and trade.

The US-led alliance said it would deploy maritime patrol aircraft, radars and drones to reinforce surveillance. In parallel, Bucharest and Sofia are preparing an EU-mandated hub meant to improve information sharing and situational awareness at sea.

“It is important to have it now up and running and therefore we want to have clear timelines for its completion and we want to offer a dedicated funding of 50 million euros to this Black Sea maritime security hub,” von der Leyen said at a press conference with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

The stated aim of the acceleration is to restore freedom of navigation. EU money does not replace national spending on sensors, demining or counter-drone defence, but it can shorten the path to a working joint structure.

Romania has accused Russia of “systematic” strikes on civilian ships while stopping short of attributing every individual attack, citing the need for forensic evidence. Bulgaria has not named a perpetrator, though it said some attacks appear to benefit Moscow; Russia denies involvement.

For Bucharest, the hub ties into priorities already flagged on maritime surveillance and EU/NATO coordination. A firm inauguration date still needs formalising; the €50 million commitment is, however, a clear financial signal from the Commission.

Source consulted: EU's von der Leyen pledges €50 million to speed up security hub in the Black Sea — The Straits Times