Romania and Bulgaria Build a “Security Hub” Against Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” in the Black Sea

Romania and Bulgaria are advancing plans to establish a “security hub” aimed at monitoring maritime transport in the Black Sea, including the identification of potential routes used by Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Toiu made the statement ahead of a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council on Tuesday, May 26, eurointegration.com.ua reports. Romania and Bulgaria are developing a Black Sea security hub to counter Russia’s shadow fleet. “We are making progress on our side in creating a Black Sea security hub, which is also important in terms of monitoring what could potentially become transport routes for the ‘shadow fleet’,” Toiu said. She noted that there is no such threat in the Romanian port of Constanta, but emphasized that “the Black Sea must absolutely be protected”. “We have advanced together with Bulgaria on the concept of an EU security hub, and we are also conducting demining operations together with Bulgaria and Türkiye. Ukraine is also playing a significant role in Black Sea demining efforts,” the Romanian foreign minister added. Oana-Silvia Toiu also stressed the need for increased pressure on Russia, particularly through the preparation of a new sanctions package. “We really need the next sanctions package, and we are working on it. In Romania, we are implementing a law adopted last year that toughens penalties for those who try to circumvent sanctions,” the official stated.