The New Strategy Center organized, on June 13 in Prague, as a partner of the GLOBSEC Forum, a roundtable titled “The Battle for the Black Sea is not over: Challenges for security, energy, connectivity.”
The discussions highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea and of energy and connectivity projects, the potential developments in the war in Ukraine, and the need to continue supporting Ukraine. The potential of the Danube River was also emphasized—as a vector for military mobility, but also in the reconstruction process of southern Ukraine, thus connecting Germany to the Black Sea.
Moreover, the importance of strengthening the defense capabilities of the littoral states was underlined, in order to deter Russia’s naval aggression, especially since Moscow will likely continue aggressive behavior by blocking maritime areas under the pretext of naval exercises or by disrupting GPS signals for ships. In this regard, deeper cooperation between NATO member states in the region—Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey—becomes essential for regional stability, and the trilateral demining initiative should be expanded to also include the protection of critical infrastructure. Therefore, it is important that the EU’s Black Sea strategy has not only implementation mechanisms but also a clear roadmap.
The significant natural gas reserves of Romania and Bulgaria can play an important role in increasing the region’s energy independence, and the protection of critical energy infrastructure should be a priority on the agenda of the EU, NATO, and the littoral states. Russia’s hybrid actions in the Black Sea region threaten not only freedom of navigation, but also the security of trade routes, the development of energy projects, and regional connectivity.
The panel was moderated by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, member of the NSC’s International Advisory Board and former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, and speakers included H.E. Rosen Plevneliev, former President of Bulgaria (2012–2017), Gen. (Ret.) Philip Breedlove, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and George Scutaru, Director General of the New Strategy Center.
