European Parliament proposes deploying an european naval operation in the Black sea

The European Parliament voted on Thursday on a resolution addressing the escalation of Russian strikes in the Black Sea and the threat they pose to regional security. Particular attention is paid to attacks on merchant vessels, which endanger human lives and international food supplies.

The issue directly affects Bulgaria, after European leaders condemned attacks on civilian vessels in the maritime zones of Bulgaria and Romania. The resolution was adopted by 432 votes in favour, 52 against and 88 abstentions. It calls on the EU to provide funding to Sofia and Bucharest to help improve security in the region.

The European Parliament calls on EU member states to consider deploying a European naval operation in the Black Sea, stressing that freedom of navigation and maritime security are integral to the security of NATO’s eastern flank, the Black Sea region and the Danube Delta.

MEPs also call on NATO to consider a Black Sea initiative based on discussions surrounding the “Black Sea Sentinel” initiative. They further propose allocating unspent funds from the EU security budget to Bulgaria and Romania to improve security in the Black Sea.

The European Parliament strongly condemns the attacks and calls for a full investigation, the preservation of evidence and the prosecution of those responsible. At the same time, a majority of MEPs express concern over the Bulgarian government’s response to the Russian threat and regret what they describe as its weak diplomatic response towards the Russian Federation.

The European Parliament also expresses concern over Bulgaria’s delayed participation in NATO’s initiative to counter drones and urges the Bulgarian government to formally confirm its participation by 30 October.

Proposals for the resolution were submitted by the Greens, the European People’s Party (EPP), Renew Europe, the European Conservatives and Reformists, and the Socialists and Democrats. The Bulgarian MEPs among the signatories include Andrey Novakov, Andrey Kovatchev, Radan Kanev, Eva Maydell, Emil Radev and Iliya Lazarov (EPP), as well as Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew Europe).