The key facts

  • Von der Leyen said freedom of navigation in the Black Sea must be restored and preserved
  • Since early October, according to Anadolu, drones have attacked at least nine commercial vessels off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria
  • The EU will take part in talks in Abu Dhabi this week; a meeting with Zelensky is expected in Dublin

Statement after a call with Zelensky

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that freedom of navigation in the Black Sea 'must be restored and preserved.' The statement came after her phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, held ahead of her visit to Romania and Bulgaria, Anadolu reports.

Visit to Romania and Bulgaria and upcoming meetings

According to von der Leyen, during the trip she will meet with the leaders of the two countries to discuss the situation on the ground and ways to strengthen Europe's response to growing security threats in the Black Sea region. She also once again expressed support for Zelensky's call for a ceasefire covering food and energy infrastructure. The leaders discussed peace efforts and the talks scheduled for this week in Abu Dhabi, where the EU will be present together with partners. In addition, von der Leyen said she expects to meet Zelensky in Dublin later this week to discuss further steps toward peace with other leaders.

Attacks on commercial vessels

The statement comes against the backdrop of a deteriorating situation in the region: since the beginning of October, according to Anadolu, drones have attacked at least nine commercial vessels off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria in the Black Sea. It is these strikes that have made freedom of navigation a matter of particular attention for Brussels and affect the interests of the two EU member states that von der Leyen will visit this week.