EU’s Black Sea pledges reach €70 million after drone strikes on ships leave 34 dead or missing
The money goes to a Romanian-Bulgarian maritime security hub and sea rescue, as Kyiv takes the Black Sea to talks in Abu Dhabi
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged €10 million for search and rescue in Bulgaria on November 10, raising her Black Sea tour pledges to €70 million. Earlier in Bucharest, she announced the EU's backing of the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, which Romania and Bulgaria are constructing, with €50 million. Von der Leyen highlighted how drone strikes on ships disrupted navigation and skyrocketed insurance costs, attributing the issue to Russia.
She emphasized the importance of free Black Sea navigation for Ukraine's economy and global food security. Simultaneously, US-mediated Ukraine-Russia talks commenced in Abu Dhabi, with unblocking the Black Sea as a priority for Kyiv. Von der Leyen visited Bucharest and Varna to pledge additional funds for Romanian and Bulgarian search and rescue efforts.
Since early October, drones have targeted at least nine merchant ships off Romania and Bulgaria, resulting in the deaths or disappearances of 34 individuals, according to AFP on November 7. Russia claimed responsibility for one of these attacks, but footage suggested otherwise. Von der Leyen affirmed the EU's commitment to restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and her participation in the Abu Dhabi talks.
Kyiv's priorities included a ceasefire on energy and critical infrastructure and unblocking the Black Sea, both of which were emphasized by Zelenskyy following calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Zelenskyy claimed India had not supported its food security proposals.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
