Three NATO partners agreed to widen a Black Sea demining group’s mandate to include energy, telecoms and undersea pipelines.
Following the NATO summit in Ankara, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey agreed to broaden the mandate of the joint Black Sea mine-clearing operation, including the protection of critical infrastructure in its tasks.
The new framework envisions expanding the group’s mission to critical energy facilities, telecommunications networks, and undersea pipelines to enhance regional security.
According to the Romanian Ministry of Defence, since its creation in 2024 the group has neutralized over 150 mines on key maritime trade routes; the majority of operations have been carried out thanks to the joint efforts of Turkey.
During the Ankara summit it was confirmed that the mission would be augmented with protection of critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, telecommunications networks, and undersea pipelines.
Mandate and objectives of the joint group
Protecting critically important infrastructure in the Black Sea requires a comprehensive, integrated, and long-term approach.
– Romanian Ministry of Defence
In addition, the three countries continue to implement exploration or extraction projects in the region; in particular, the Romanian Neptun Deep gas project is planned to be launched in 2027, which would allow Romania to become the largest gas producer in the EU.
In the context of Black Sea security, Ukraine calls on international institutions to respond decisively to Russia’s aggression against civilian ships in the region and emphasizes the need to consolidate allies to ensure the safety of sea lanes.
The strengthening of cooperation on demining and protection of critical infrastructure occurs against the backdrop of rising challenges to societal and maritime security in the region and reflects the participants’ joint intention to preserve stability in the Black Sea.