Bulgarian MEPs called on the EU today to act against growing Russian attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, speaking in a debate in the European Parliament.
Elena Yoncheva (ECR) asked the European Commission to set up a fund for the ports of Varna, Burgas and Constanta to pay for security measures and spare equipment. It is one of her three proposals. The others are a special guarantee fund to compensate affected sectors on the western Black Sea coast, and a mechanism to protect undersea assets so that cables, pipelines and energy links can be quickly restored. She said European families should not have to pay for the crisis with their livelihoods.
"Russia's war against Ukraine has reached our shore," said Kristian Vigenin (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats). He said the attacks on civilian ships are systematic and are killing innocent sailors.
Vigenin called for urgent, co-ordinated EU action: more sea and satellite monitoring, early warning and counter-drone defences, and protection for ships and crews. He said the maritime security centre in Varna must be set up faster, with EU support. The Black Sea must not become a new war zone, the MEP said. He added that diplomatic efforts are needed to stop the attacks, and that more weapons alone will not bring security.
Andrey Novakov (EPP) proposed an EU mission in the Black Sea to guard merchant ships. It should not raise tension or frighten people, he said, but make sure fuel and goods arrive at normal prices. Novakov said the problem facing Varna, Bulgaria and Romania is a European one, and that the trail of responsibility for the attacks is clear. Russia must take political responsibility and end the war, he said.
Andrey Kovachev (EPP) criticised the Bulgarian government: "The Bulgarian government's position of continuing to avoid naming Russia clearly as the source of the attacks is naive and dangerous." Russian strikes have already cost lives and hurt the livelihoods of millions of people around the world, Kovachev said. He called on NATO to have a stronger presence, on the EU to deepen its defence co-operation, and on Bulgaria and Romania to take an active part in every initiative to raise more money for European defence.
Eva Maydell (EPP) said there must be no hesitation after Russia's malicious act off the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania. The EU and NATO must step up the defence of sea and air space at once and show firm strength, she said. Maydell believes Vladimir Putin will negotiate for peace only if countries act together with resolve.
Nikola Minchev (Renew Europe) said some heads of government and heads of state must stop turning a blind eye and openly call Russia the aggressor. He wants Europe to invest more in joint defence, with member states taking an active part. Minchev backed a just peace and rejected talk of peace through surrender.
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew Europe) said Black Sea security is part of EU security, and Bulgaria and Romania must get support at this hard time. He said the EU maritime security centre must start work faster. Kyuchyuk asked for support for anti-drone systems, joint monitoring and patrols with countries in the region, including NATO and Turkey, and for financial help. He said diplomatic pressure is also needed for a moratorium on attacks on civilian ships and grain facilities.
Stanislav Stoyanov (Europe of Sovereign Nations) backed talks for a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, and diplomacy instead of widening the war. A direct clash with a nuclear state could lead to a "nuclear winter", he warned, adding that he prefers the "snowy" one. Stoyanov invited Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen to Varna to explain how "peace through strength" will bring peace and how many more sanctions packages against Russia will be needed. He said it is in the interest of Bulgaria and Europe for the Black Sea to be a zone of peace, trade and co-operation.
Taner Kabilov (European Conservatives and Reformists) asked for the European counter-drone defence initiative to start work without needless delay. He said the Black Sea is not just a regional issue but a test of how far the EU can defend its strategic interests. Europe must act as one, with resolve and in close touch with its NATO allies, Kabilov said.