Renew Europe conference: The Black Sea Strategic Approach

I was honoured to organise a conference in Brussels on "The Black Sea Strategic Approach" together with my fellow MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk and hosted by the Permanent Representation of Romania to the EU.

The Black Sea region is facing major challenges. Russia's war in Ukraine is a threat to everyone and has revealed vulnerabilities in Europe's security. Because of this, the Black Sea is extremely important for Europe's safety and its economy.

The EU has a new plan for the region. We want to turn this plan into concrete results that help people. We discussed how to prevent future attacks, through projects like a new Maritime Security Hub, and by fighting other kinds of threats, such as disinformation, as well as discussing connectivity in the region.

I thank all the guests who contributed to this conference:

Panel 1: "High-Level Political Dialogue on Security and Connectivity":

• Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement

• Oana Țoiu, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Călin Ungur, expert in the cabinet of Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

• Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, S&D

• Andrzej Halicki, MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group

• Ilhan Kyuchyuk, MEP, Renew Europe

• Bernard Guetta, MEP, Renew Europe

Panel 2, moderated by Ambassador Iulia Matei, Permanent Representative of Romania to the EU: "Civil Society & Expert Perspectives":

• Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Vasile Toader (New Strategy Center)

• Oana Popescu-Zamfir (Global Focus)

• Clara Volintiru (German Marshall Fund)

• Marius Ghincea (Quartet Institute)

• Raluca Csernatoni (Brussels School of Governance)

• Iulia Joja (Black Sea Program - Middle East Institute)