The panel was moderated by Ambassador Sorin DUCARU, Honorary Chairman of the Scientific Council of the New Strategy Center, Romania, and brought together distinguished speakers such as H.E. Georg GEORGIEV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria; H.E. Mihai POPȘOI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova; Ana TINCA, State Secretary for Strategic Affairs within the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ian BRZEZINSKI, Senior Fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security – Transatlantic Security Initiative, Atlantic Council, USA.

The discussions focused on the strategic importance of the Black Sea and the critical need to maintain it as a free and open maritime space. Speakers emphasized the priority of ensuring connectivity and resilience among the countries in the region, highlighting Bulgaria’s multilateral initiatives with other littoral states in this regard. As for the Republic of Moldova’s position, it reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the freedom and openness of the Black Sea primarily by supporting Ukraine and international legal norms, advocating for the liberation of Crimea and the expulsion of Russian troops stationed on the peninsula. Additionally, Moldova regards Romania as an anchor within the Euro-Atlantic space.

Regarding major challenges, the goal of a free Black Sea is threatened by cyberattacks, the weaponization of food exports, the boarding of commercial vessels by Russian warships, and drifting naval mines. Addressing these challenges is necessary not only for securing the Black Sea but also for the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas, which are interconnected with the Black Sea region.

Watch the live sessions on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/6T2go-oSY28?feature=share