Bulgaria and Romania have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a regional command of special forces in the Black Sea. The Ministry of National Defence of Romania made the announcement, highlighting the need for command and control structures in the Black Sea during discussions between NATO countries. The new command, named C2 FOS, will be responsible for protecting merchant ships from attacks, conducting inspections, and general traffic control. The establishment of this command aims to support common interests in the Black Sea and strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense. The security and stability of the Black Sea region is a priority for Romania and the Alliance, according to Angel Tîlvăr, Minister of National Defense of Romania.

In addition, the activation of the eastern flank by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created new challenges for countries with access to the Black Sea. As a response, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey have already started a joint mine-hunting force in the Black Sea, aimed at defusing mines drifting into specific areas as a result of the war. The three countries signed a joint agreement on January 11, 2024, and plan to create a joint fleet to defuse mines off their coasts.

ملخص الأخبار

• Romania and Bulgaria identified the need for command structures during NATO discussions.
• The new command, C2 FOS, aims to protect merchant ships and enhance traffic control.
• Romania considers this command essential for supporting common interests in the Black Sea and strengthening NATO’s deterrence.
• The joint mine-hunting force in the Black Sea by Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey aims to defuse mines drifting due to the war in Ukraine.