EU Leader Condemns Black Sea Attacks on Commercial Ships

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned recent attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, urging governments to unite for maritime security. On October 5 and 6, three vessels were struck near Romania and Bulgaria. A Turkish ship carrying Ukrainian grain was sunk off Romania’s coast, reportedly hit by Russian drones. The next day, two more ships were attacked in Bulgaria’s economic zone.

Von der Leyen expressed alarm over the incidents, emphasizing the loss of innocent lives at sea. She called the assaults on civilian shipping unacceptable and reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with its eastern member states. The attacks coincide with a sharp decline in Ukrainian grain exports, now at a third of previous levels.

The assaults highlight the escalating dangers for civilian maritime activities in a region vital to global food supply chains. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has heightened risks, threatening international trade and contributing to rising food prices. The EU is signaling readiness to take measures to safeguard its members and maintain regional security.