In talks with Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Rutte: Bulgarian PM Calls for Joint Efforts to Stop Attacks on Black Sea Merchant Ships

In phone calls today with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Prime Minister Rumen Radev called for joint efforts to stop attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea.

The EU and NATO leaders expressed their appreciation for Bulgaria’s swift response in rescuing sailors in distress, as well as their solidarity following the attacks on merchant ships near Bulgarian territorial waters. They also expressed their readiness to provide allied support in clarifying the circumstances surrounding these incidents.

The prime minister once again raised the issue of securing support to strengthen Bulgaria’s capabilities for monitoring and controlling its maritime and airspace.

Radev said he would initiate talks with Romania and Türkiye to develop joint proposals aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. The Bulgarian prime minister will also raise the issue at the upcoming meeting of the European Council on October 15–16.