High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas presented the EU’s new strategic approach to the Black Sea, describing the region as vital for European security, trade, energy and connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.
Kallas said Russia’s war had damaged the region’s potential through attacks on ports and shipping lanes, airspace violations and broader instability. The strategy puts forward three security priorities: a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, improved military mobility and stronger action against hybrid threats.
The proposed maritime hub would improve situational awareness, help protect critical infrastructure such as offshore installations and subsea cables, and support demining efforts. Military mobility measures would focus on ports, railways, roads and airports able to handle heavy military equipment.
Kallas also linked the Black Sea strategy to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Türkiye, arguing that the region’s security cannot rest on only a few countries. The strategy is intended to strengthen cooperation among partners while supporting European deterrence and resilience.