Resolution on the escalation of Russian strikes in the EU, particularly on Black Sea shipping, threatening human life, regional stability and food security
The European Parliament adopted by 432 votes to 52, with 88 abstentions, a resolution on the escalation of Russian strikes in the EU, particularly on Black Sea shipping, threatening human life, regional stability and food security.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.
Parliament strongly condemned the latest deadly attacks against civilian merchant vessels in the western Black Sea, off the coast of Bulgaria and Romania, as well as repeated violations of Romanian airspace which have killed and endangered seafarers, destroyed civilian ships and gravely threatened freedom of navigation, maritime safety and regional stability.
Enhanced surveillance
Against this background, Parliament called for enhanced support for Romania in strengthening airspace surveillance, early-warning systems and civil protection in the Danube Delta.
Stressing that Russia remains the most significant threat to Euro-Atlantic peace and security, Members demanded that Russia immediately cease all attacks on merchant vessels and civilian port infrastructure, respect freedom of navigation and cease its weaponisation of global food supplies.
Members highlighted that the security of the Black Sea is an integral part of EU security and requires a coordinated EU response, in close cooperation with NATO. It stressed the need for a strengthened eastern flank, from the Arctic to the Black Sea.
The resolution deplored Bulgaria’s delayed participation in NATO’s Air Defence Capabilities Against Lower-level Air Threats initiative (NATO’s antidrone initiative) and urged the Bulgarian Government not to delay further but to formally confirm its participation by 30 October 2026.
EU naval operation
The EU and the Member States are called on to assess and consider deploying an EU naval operation in the Black Sea. Parliament stressed that that freedom of navigation and maritime security are part of securing NATO’s eastern flank, the Black Sea region and the Danube Delta. It called further on NATO to consider a Black Sea initiative, building on discussions on a ‘Black Sea Sentry’ and underlined the importance of closer regional cooperation between Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye.
Defence gaps
The Member States, in cooperation with NATO, are called on to identify currently existing air and maritime defence gaps in the region. A coordinated European framework for the security and safety of civilian navigation in the Black Sea should be developed, as part of the implementation of the EU’s strategic approach to the region.
Parliament recommended that Bulgaria and Romania request assistance from the Commission and the European Defence Agency to develop and procure interception capabilities jointly with other Member States, in view of the need to eliminate airborne threats. It urged the adoption and implementation of a European Sky Shield Initiative over the Black Sea and urged the Commission to present, without delay, concrete proposals for a European space shield and a European drone shield.
Funding
Members consider that the unused amounts under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financial instrument represent a window of opportunity for Romania and Bulgaria to tackle the newly-arising challenge.
Moreover, the resolution stressed that the MFF for the 2028-2034 period must cater for a wide range of security and defence needs, including in the Black Sea region.
The Commission and the Council should speed up work on the European defence project of common interest dedicated to the integrated defence of the maritime environment and the seabed, using all national and EU instruments available to this end, and ensuring that they also contribute to the security of the Black Sea regions.
The Commission and the Member States are called on to strengthen the protection and resilience of ongoing submarine telecommunications, electricity transmission and data cable projects through enhanced maritime surveillance, regional cooperation and rapid response mechanisms, notably by establishing a Black Sea regional cable security centre to reinforce the functions of a Black Sea maritime security hub.