The New Strategy Center participated on Tuesday, September 16, in the “Europe and NATO Conference 2025,” organized by the International Stability Operations Association. NSC was represented by LTG (ret.) Vasile Toader, member of the Scientific Council, who took part as a speaker in the panel “The Black Sea as a Strategic Anchor of Opportunities for the region, the EU, and NATO.”

General Toader presented the main security challenges in the Black Sea region in the context of the war in Ukraine, while also emphasizing the strategic relevance of this area for NATO and the European Union. He highlighted that the Black Sea is not only a space of military confrontation but also a vital economic artery, located at the crossroads of key trade and energy routes.

He also mentioned the potential of Black Sea gas resources, stressing that through the exploitation of the Neptun Deep perimeter, Romania will become, starting in 2027, the largest natural gas producer in the European Union. In this context, he warned about the risk that Russia may attempt to jeopardize energy projects in the region. General Toader also underlined Romania’s essential role in supporting the reconstruction process of Ukraine, especially in the south of the country, the area most affected by the war.

At the same time, he identified three priority areas of interest for ISOA members: supporting comprehensive situational awareness across all operational domains in the Black Sea region, protecting critical infrastructure, and rebuilding and strengthening Ukraine’s resilience.