New Strategy Center and the U.S.-based Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) organized an event on Wednesday, July 8, in Ankara, Turkey, as part of the Allies in Ankara forum, entitled “From the Arctic to the Black Sea: Critical Infrastructure in the Era of Defense Tech.”

The discussions focused on conventional and hybrid threats to critical infrastructure along NATO’s Eastern Flank, developments in connectivity and energy security, the impact of new technologies—particularly unmanned systems—on military thinking, and how NATO is continuously adapting its deterrence and defense policies.

Held as a working lunch, the event provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the strategic importance of the Black Sea, Romania’s role in the region, and trilateral cooperation between Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria to safeguard freedom of navigation and transportation corridors in the Black Sea.

The discussion was moderated by General (Ret.) Daniel Petrescu, Member of CEPA’s International Leadership Council and former Chief of the Romanian Defense Staff. Speakers included George Scutaru, CEO, New Strategy Center; Laura Galante, Senior Fellow, CEPA; and Ambassador Tacan Ildem, Chairman of the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM) and former Permanent Representative of Türkiye to NATO.

On the sidelines of the Allies in Ankara forum, George Scutaru, CEO of New Strategy Center, held meetings with experts and officials attending the gatherings in Ankara. During these discussions, he presented NSC’s upcoming events and provided updates on the latest developments in the security situation in the Black Sea region.