Brandusa Predescu

🇧🇬 Romania’s Ambassador to Sofia, H.E. Ioana Brândușa Predescu, and Colonel Cristina Pistolea, the embassy’s defence attaché, organised memorial ceremonies on Tuesday to honour Romanian soldiers buried in neighbouring Bulgaria, as part of Romanian Army Day commemorations.

In an interview with Euronews, Romanian President Nicușor Dan warns that Black Sea security is under growing pressure as drone attacks hit commercial vessels off Romania and Bulgaria. #EuropeNews ➡️ l.euronews.com/1hRt

I strongly condemn the repeated drone attacks on commercial vessels in the immediate vicinity of Bulgaria’s territorial waters. These unacceptable acts violate the very principles of safe navigation and further undermine security in the Black Sea. These attacks have real consequences: they both endanger the lives of merchant mariners and impact food security globally. Romania stands in full solidarity with Bulgaria. The security of the Black Sea is essential to European security, and the safety of civilian crews and freedom of navigation must be safeguarded. Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable. @vpetrova_mfa @MFABulgaria

Romania firmly condems today’s drone attack on two commercial vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. Such actions are in flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to the freedom of civilian navigation. As a country on the Danube and at the Black Sea, Romania treats the issue of maritime security as a national and European priority. As I said repeatedly in international fora, as a direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Black Sea has become the most dangerous place globally for merchant mariners. This is a threat to regional security as much as one to global food security. The threat of hunger is a most odious tool of war regardless as of how it is used. The safety of civilian crews and vessels, and the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea should be guaranteed and protected. Romania is committed to working with Bulgaria and Türkiye under the agreement signed at the NATO Summit in Ankara to strengthen Black Sea security and protect critical maritime infrastructure. Also, the agreed future EU Black Sea Maritime Security Hub in Constanța and Varna will be an important contribution to enhancing coordination, situational awareness and resilience in the Black Sea region. @vpetrova_mfa @MFABulgaria