The ninth edition of the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum was officially opened today in Bucharest. It marks the start of two days of high-level strategic dialogue focused on some of the most critical and complex security challenges of our time.
In his opening remarks, Ionel Nițu, President of the New Strategy Center, underscored the increasing importance of regional cooperation in the context of growing global instability. He welcomed participants from across the globe and reaffirmed the Forum’s position as a vital platform for regional and international security discourse.
We had the honor of hosting the newly elected President of Romania, Mr. Nicușor Dan, at our opening event. He addressed the audience, delivering a clear message regarding the country’s strategic alignment. He reaffirmed Romania’s pro-Western orientation, emphasizing that the government remains firmly anchored in NATO, the European Union, and the Strategic Partnership with the United States. He also noted that, despite this well-defined direction, Romania has yet to assume a sufficiently active role within these strategic structures.
Mr. Nicusor Dan also reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to peace and stability in the Black Sea and Balkans region, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement with NATO and European allies.
This year’s edition of the Forum is organized with the institutional support of the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is co-sponsored by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division. The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine serves as the academic partner, reflecting the vital link between regional security and global food security.
France, a long-standing strategic partner of Romania and a key NATO ally, is the partner country for the 2025 edition. Its leadership of the NATO Battlegroup stationed in Romania is a testament to France’s commitment to defending the Alliance’s eastern flank.
Over the next two days, more than 200 speakers will explore key strategic issues, including:
- The future of transatlantic relations
- Reconstruction and security guarantees for Ukraine
- Hybrid threats and emerging technologies
- The strategic importance of maintaining a free, open, and secure Black Sea
As regional and global tensions evolve, the Forum remains a vital space for reflection, dialogue, and the development of coordinated responses.
Watch the live sessions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/RXneEIrHZho?si=sY2gDHNgxtT4MJ0a