Balkans and Black Sea
Balkans and Black Sea
THE EU STRATEGY FOR THE BLACK SEA AND BULGARIA - ROMANIA COOPERATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF OFFSHORE INFRASTRUCTURE
On 19 September, the Sofia Security Forum (SSF) - Bulgaria, together with the New Strategy Center (NSC) - Romania, organized in Sofia a workshop dedicated to “The EU Strategy for the Black Sea 2025 and the Bulgaria-Romania cooperation for protection of the offshore infrastructure.” The event gathered Bulgarian and Romanian officials from the government and a number of ministries, security experts, and representatives of energy companies, engaged in offshore exploration and infrastructure projects. The debate highlighted that the Black Sea has become a frontline for both conventional and hybrid challenges. Participants drew attention to the growing risks to critical infrastructure of diverse nature — from drifting mines and unmanned systems, to cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the disruption of navigation routes under the guise of military drills. These threats were discussed as not only a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine, but a long-term factor shaping the security in the region. The speakers noted that both the Han Asparuh block in Bulgaria and the Neptun Deep block in Romania illustrate the stakes: offshore resources can provide energy independence for the two countries, but also can create new vulnerabilities that require joint risk assessments, interoperable monitoring systems, and the ability to respond quickly to crises at sea. The need to integrate EU initiatives — including the forthcoming Maritime Security Hub — with national capabilities was highlighted as a crucial step for protecting cables, platforms, and energy corridors. From the Bulgarian perspective, the discussions emphasized that securing the Black Sea is not only a matter of regional solidarity, but a core national interest. Once exploration at the Han Asparuh block advances, Bulgaria has the potential to fully meet its domestic gas needs and to contribute to regional supply. To achieve this securely, participants pointed that its of crucial importance to improve coordination between civilian and military authorities, to enhance the port and coastal infrastructure, investing in countermeasures and technologies for surveillance. The Sofia Security Forum will continue working on the analyses of the risks and threats in the Black Sea with the aim of searching for workable solutions at national and regional level as well as within NATO and EU. We will continue organizing events, offering a platform where decision-makers and experts can develop practical solutions for resilience. Strengthening the Bulgarian-Romanian cooperation in the Black Sea is key not only for the protection of offshore energy infrastructure, but also for ensuring that the region contributes to the EU’s long-term energy security and strategic autonomy, in line with the EU Black Sea Strategy 2025 and will be in the focus of the activities of the Sofia Security Forum.
Event
Bulgarian Foreign Policy
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense
European Union
TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS
Speech of Mr. Yordan Bozhilov at the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum, Romania 22-23 May, 2025
Yordan Bozhilov
Brief
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense
NATO
CRITICAL OFFSHORE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE VERSUS HYBRID THREATS. HOW CAN WE IMPROVE RESILIENCE
Speaking notes of Mr. Yordan Bozhilov at the Black sea and Balkans Security Forum, Romania 22-23 May, 2025
Yordan Bozhilov
Brief
Balkans and Black Sea
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA
The Black Sea holds immense significance for шге transportation, economy, connectivity, energy, etc. The huge potential of the region is threatened by instability as a result of the Russian war against Ukraine and Russia's provocative activities.
Yordan Bozhilov
Brief
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense
THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA - REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR ENERGY AND DEFENSE
The Sofia Security Forum in cooperation with The New Strategy Center (Romania) and The Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), (Türkiye), together with the delegations of Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye to NATO, organized on December 11, 2024 a discussion to present the study "The Strategic Importance of the Black Sea: Regional Cooperation in Energy and Defense".
Event
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense
NATO
THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA: REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR ENERGY AND DEFENSE
The Sofia Security Forum in collaboration with The New Strategy Center (Romania) and The Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye published a new study titled "The Strategic Importance of the Black Sea: Regional Cooperation for Energy and Defense". This study underscores the region's potential as an energy hub and important transport corridor. The study addresses challenges posed by a complex geopolitical environment, particularly Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine and hostile actions in the Black Sea which security risks for energy infrastructure, transportation, and data connectivity. The report presents policy recommendations to NATO and littoral states to cope with the multiple risks and threats. The study was presented on 11 December 2024 at NATO HQ in Brussels.
Yordan Bozhilov, Tacan Ildem, George Scutaru
Book
Balkans and Black Sea
NATO