On Wednesday, September 28th, the New Strategy Center team met with the US Congress to present its own assessments of developments in the Black Sea region in the context of Ukraine’s war, as well as to discuss some of the elements presented in the study “The Strategic Importance of Snake Island,” conducted by the NSC and the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).
NSC experts, as well as representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Washington, participated in a briefing for staff members of the House Armed Services Committee of the House of Representatives. Discussions focused on the need to continue to support Ukraine in repelling the Russian attack and avoiding Moscow’s recapture of Snake Island and occupation of Ukraine’s Black Sea coastline. At the same time, Romania’s role in supporting Ukraine’s cereal exports was presented, with over 4 million tonnes being exported through our Danube and Black Sea ports. Freedom of movement and ship safety in the context of the major mine threat were other topics discussed. Last but not least, Romania’s energy potential in the offshore Black Sea area and the possibility of exporting gas to countries under Russian pressure and blackmail, such as the Republic of Moldova, were presented.
In this context, the NSC experts stressed the need for continued military support from the US and other NATO allies to strengthen the defence posture and counter hybrid actions from the Russian Federation.
NSC experts also met with Senator James Lankford, member of the Energy Committee, and Congressman Thomas Souzzi, a parliamentarian with extensive experience, including serving on the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees. During the meetings, NSC experts presented their own assessment of developments in the Black Sea basin, highlighting the importance of adopting the legislative initiative for a US Black Sea Strategy in the US Congress this term.
George Scutaru, CEO New Strategy Center, Dr. Antonia Colibășanu, Senior Associate Expert, NSC and Senior Geopolitical Analyst, Geopolitical Future, and Izel Stănculescu-Selim, Program Director, NSC, participated in these discussions. The NSC team is in the US to participate in several events as part of the New Strategy Center’s efforts to contribute to a better understanding of the regional strategic context and to promote Romania’s security interests and the strategic partnership between Romania and the US.