EU’s Top Diplomat Calls For Ensuring Freedom Of Navigation In The Black Sea

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called for the international community to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The European External Action Service reported this, referencing Kallas' statements. Kallas emphasized that the EU is assisting Ukraine in coping with the repercussions of the suspension of commercial shipping in the Black Sea by identifying grain storage possibilities, aiding farmers, and streamlining cargo border-crossing processes.

Since May 2022, the EU Solidarity Lanes have enabled approximately €304 billion in trade. Kallas argued that the international community should also promote diplomatic efforts to protect civilian shipping, safeguard critical infrastructure, and reestablish the global trade route in the Black Sea. She pointed out that if Russia ceased its attacks in the Black Sea, farmers, traders, and global food markets would require the stability they need at this crucial juncture.

Furthermore, Kallas highlighted that Ukraine is a significant agricultural exporter, accounting for 15% of global corn exports, 10% of wheat, 15-20% of barley, and 50% of sunflower oil exports. Around 90% of these commodities traverse the Black Sea corridor. However, since August, exports via the Black Sea have been effectively halted due to Russia's escalating attacks, which have made commercial shipping impossible once more.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned that Ankara had put forth proposals to Turkey and Russia for de-escalating the situation in the Black Sea. Prior to this, Turkey had limited the movement of certain commercial vessels into the Black Sea, as the nation's authorities expressed concerns about the increasing frequency of Russian and Ukrainian attacks on vessels in the area.