European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen travels to Bucharest
Romania will receive 50 million euros worth of EU funding for the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, the head of the European Commission said in Bucharest.
Ştefan Stoica, 10.11.2026, 14:00
Although challenged, as has been the case before, by the vocal fringe of Romanian politics, namely the populist ultra-nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, the visit to Bucharest by the president of the European Commission President is strategically significant and comes at a sensitive time for the security of the Black Sea. This topic was at the heart of the talks held by Ursula von der Leyen with Romanian president Nicușor Dan. The latter highlighted the role of the Black Sea in world trade and Europe’s energy security, both now at threat due to the many drone-related incidents in this region. Nicușor Dan:
“We cannot speak of stable peace in Ukraine or discuss an effective way to rebuild Ukraine without a secure Black Sea. We have seen numerous incidents in the Black Sea recently. Russia is attempting to escalate the conflict it began in Ukraine five years ago and to draw European countries into it.”
The President of the European Commission announced in Bucharest that Romania will receive 50 million euros worth of European Union funding for a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, which it will manage jointly with Bulgaria. Brussels hopes that this initiative will strengthen the European Union’s capacity to respond to crises along its borders. An additional 10 million euros have been allocated for search and rescue operations in the region. Ursula von der Leyen said Romania stands on the front line of European security, helping to protect airspace, borders, and the Black Sea, and serving as a vital partner for EU and NATO member states. For this reason, Romania can count on the European Union to respond in a spirit of solidarity to growing security challenges. Ursula von der Leyen:
“You can count on a strong and united European response. Let me highlight a few points of what we have discussed. First, freedom of navigation in the Black Sea must be restored and preserved. It is a vital trade route for Europe, for Ukraine’s economy and for global food security. It keeps food supplies flowing to millions of people who depend on them, many of them in Africa. No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. We support them in this endeavor. And we equally reiterate their call for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.
The President of the European Commission also met Prime Minister Luca Niculescu, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promote the European project and work closely with European partners toward a stronger, safer and more competitive Europe. “Our priorities include strengthening the EU’s Eastern Flank and security in the Black Sea, in line with the European strategy for this region,” the Romanian Prime Minister said. In addition, he listed the revitalization of Romania’s economy and boosting its competitiveness, maintaining fiscal discipline and stimulating investment by making the most of all available European funds, Luca Niculescu posted on X.
