From grain routes and energy supplies to undersea cables, what happens in the Black Sea has direct implications for Europe’s security.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has put many of these vulnerabilities into sharper focus, from attacks on grain infrastructure to risks to maritime security and critical infrastructure.
Together with the Romanian Permanent Representation to the EU, we brought together policymakers and experts to discuss the next steps in implementing the EU’s strategic approach to the region, including regional preparedness, maritime security, cooperation with Ukraine and other regional partners, and the Black Sea’s role in Europe’s energy security.
Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Țoiu open the event, setting the scene for the morning’s discussions.
PANEL 1: THE BLACK SEA AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
- Ana TINCA, State Secretary for Strategic and Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
- Hristo DIKANSKI, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
- Mathilde FÉLIX-PAGANON, Permanent Representative of France to the Political and Security Committee
- Audrone PERKAUSKIENE, Managing Director, Europe and Central Asia (acting), European External Action Service
- Adrienn KIRALY, Director, Neighbourhood East and Türkiye, DG ENEST, European Commission
PANEL 2: IMPLEMENTING THE SECURITY DIMENSION OF THE EU’S STRATEGIC APPROACH
- Christos THEOPHILOU, Team Leader, EU Maritime Security and Surveillance, DG MARE, European Commission
- Vessela TCHERNEVA, Deputy Director, European Council on Foreign Relations
- Lt.G. Vasile TOADER (ret.), Member of the Scientific Council, New Strategy Center
- Kornely KAKACHIA, Director, Georgian Institute of Politics
The two panels were moderated by EUISS Director Steven Everts and Senior Analyst Ondrej Ditrych.
