The European Parliament member Victor Negrescu stated that his initiative to establish the European Maritime Security Center in Romania on the Black Sea has received support from the European Commission.

He announced this.

The European Parliament member announced receiving an official reply from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to his inquiry about this initiative.

The European Commission’s message is clear: the maritime center can be established, the European Commission supports this initiative, and the decision lies with the member states situated on the coast of the Black Sea. Romania has all the arguments to become the site of this strategic center

– Negrescu

EU Position and Prospects for the Center

According to him, this center has “decisive significance,” since “the Black Sea has become one of the most sensitive geopolitical regions in Europe in the context of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine”

– Negrescu

This center will mean greater security, better coordination, and a real European presence in the Black Sea, not just statements

– Negrescu

I can assure you that the European Commission is ready to support decisions by coastal states, including Romania, on this issue

– Ursula von der Leyen

In this context, the Black Sea Maritime Security Center will draw on initiatives by EU member states and partner countries in the Black Sea region to strengthen maritime security and protect critical maritime infrastructure, as well as develop the states’ respective capabilities

– Ursula von der Leyen

Von der Leyen in the response, published by Negrescu, noted that she took into account “substantial arguments” in favor of locating the Maritime Security Center in Romania, adding that the final decision must be taken by EU member states

– Ursula von der Leyen

The next step should be for Romania’s authorities to finalize the technical details regarding the center’s location, after which the project should be finally approved by the EU member states.

As reported by Ukrinform, on September 3 the President of Romania Nicușor Dan and the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, who visited Bucharest, discussed the creation of the Black Sea Maritime Security Center on Romanian territory.

In the context of these discussions, the EU emphasizes the importance of strengthening maritime security and protecting critical infrastructure on the Black Sea coast, as well as readiness to back decisions that will ensure stronger coordination among regional partner countries.