A conference in Sofia is discussing Europe's security, with a focus on the Black Sea region, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, said the organisers, the European League for Economic Cooperation and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
The forum follows the attack on two merchant ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. The attack raised questions about how safe shipping routes are and drew more attention to shipping.
The conference is called "The Black Sea, Eastern Europe and the Balkans – a key to Europe's security" and brings together leading international experts. They will speak about the main threats to stability in Europe and about why countries in the region need to work more closely together.
The organisers take a broad view of security, covering defence, energy, finance and the economy. The programme also includes transport corridors between Europe and Asia, protection of critical infrastructure, and risks to supplies of raw materials and goods.
The organisers expect a special focus on the Black Sea as a route for merchant shipping. The experts will also discuss how to protect merchant ships and the economic interests of Black Sea countries.
The organisers say the Black Sea region matters more because of changes in the security environment, military conflicts and risks to international trade.
Bulgaria's geography makes it important in any talk about protecting sea routes, transport links and the stability of South-East Europe. Sea transport is becoming more important for countries in the region, and any break in supplies would hit national economies and international markets.
In October, the Bulgarian Association of Maritime Captains warned that attacks on ships, floating mines and drones in the western Black Sea directly affect shipping to and from Bulgarian ports. It asked the state to protect ships sailing to Burgas and Varna.
The organisers expect the talks to outline the main obstacles to cooperation in the region and options for joint action. One of the questions is how the region can become not just a place of rivalry, but a space for lasting security, economic development and links.
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Експерти в София? Сериозно ли? Явно някой се опитва да ни убеди, че нщо може да се направи по въпроса с тия кораби. Интересно ми е колко експерти са платени от Москва, ама това сигурно няма да го кажат на тепсията. Дано поне се досетат да помислят за малко повече военно присъствие в морето, че все едно плуваме в аквариум.