Romania destroys sea drone, EU slams 'escalating threats'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has denounced a recent incident involving Romania destroying a naval drone near a Black Sea gas project, deeming it part of an escalating campaign of threats. The F-16 fighter jets from Romania were responsible for the destruction of the drone, which was spotted a few hundred meters from the Neptun Deep gas project.

This occurrence highlights the growing menace to vital energy infrastructure in the Black Sea, stemming from drones and mines associated with Russia's war in Ukraine. Neptun Deep, set to become Romania's largest gas producer in 2027, is expected to be a significant contributor to the European Union's gas supply.

Romania, a NATO member, shares a 614-kilometer land border with Ukraine and has witnessed Russian drones intrude into its airspace over the past four years. Moreover, mines floating in the Black Sea pose a threat to crucial trade and energy routes. Romania's destruction of the drone underscores the escalating situation, which von der Leyen characterizes as hybrid warfare. The EU's founding mission, she asserts, is to preserve peace, which now entails the capability to deter provocation and aggression.

This latest incident follows a similar action earlier this month when army divers eliminated two Gerbera-type drones drifting in the exclusive economic zone near the Neptun Deep project. Romanian President Nicusor Dan has strongly condemned these acts, attributing them to Russia's federation and expressing his strong disapproval.

Romania, alongside NATO allies Bulgaria and Turkey, has neutralized over 150 mines floating in the Black Sea, and they recently agreed to expand a joint task force to protect critical infrastructure from such threats.