During the third day of the conference, the discussions focused on the consequences of the Black Sea militarization on the security in the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. The strategic importance of the Black Sea is also determined by the ability to duplicate the use of hybrid methods in other areas of Europe or the Middle East. At the same time, the Russian military effort in the Black Sea area is also resonant for the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Another topic addressed was the energy security, which is particularly important for the countries of the Black Sea and the Balkans. One of the major vulnerabilities for almost all states in the region is their dependence on a single provider. The talks focused on the emergence of the new energy projects that bring resources from Azerbaijan to the Balkans and Central Europe and the start of offshore exploitation in the Black Sea. These initiatives can greatly diminish the current energy dependence of the countries in the region.
The last panel, which concluded the conference, was attended by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers of Romania, Teodor Meleșcanu and Mr. Mihai Fifor. They highlighted Romania’s contribution to a safer Black Sea area, as well as the efforts made by our country to increase the defense capabilities. At the same time, it is necessary to continue efforts at NATO level to increase the security of the allied states in the region through clear signals showing solidarity at this level. The discussions also took into account the need for cooperation between the European Union and NATO, and the defense trends in the Union. These come in the context in which Romania will have the six-monthly presidency of the Council of the EU during the first part of 2019.