In brief
Defence ministers from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey met in Sofia and condemned drone strikes on merchant ships in the Black Sea. They agreed to set up a coordination mechanism, discuss low‑flying threat projects and new missile systems for patrol ships. The partners also confirmed plans to issue memoranda on security measures.
In Sofia, Bulgaria, defence ministers from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey condemned drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea and agreed to create a trilateral coordination mechanism to enhance security in the region. The meeting followed a series of incidents that damaged commercial shipping, raising fears for navigation along the Black Sea coast.
One of the most recent attacks hit a container ship about 21 nautical miles southeast of Shabla, a Bulgarian Black Sea town. Reports say three maritime drones struck the vessel, causing damage to its cargo and alarms in the local shipping community. This incident, among others, prompted the regional heads to act decisively.
The talks were held Wednesday night at the Boyana Residence in Sofia, the historic seat of Black Sea diplomacy. The venue hosted senior officials from the three nations and several senior military aides who had been briefed on the unfolding threat.
Attendees included Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Bulgarian Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov, Romanian Defence Minister Stefan‑Radu Oprea with Deputy Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Dragos‑Dumitru Iacob, and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler together with Chief of Defence General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Their delegations carried analysis of past incidents, counter‑measures proposals and future cooperation plans.
Stoyanov said the talks were prompted by recent attacks on merchant ships that had struck Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. He proposed a coordination mechanism among the three countries, believing it would help speed the response to any new developments that might compromise Black Sea security.
He emphasized that the discussions were narrowly focused on measures the members could pursue independently to preserve navigation freedom. No memorandum aimed at Russia or other third parties was being considered at that stage, and any steps would be kept confidential until all parties agreed.
The Bulgarian Council of Ministers was expected to sign two memoranda that day. The first covered Bulgaria’s participation in a joint project to counter low‑flying threats. The second addressed the acquisition of MICA surface‑to‑air missiles for the country’s patrol vessels.
Following the meeting, Stoyanov appeared before a press conference to restate the joint condemnation. He thanked his Romanian and Turkish counterparts for accepting the invitation and highlighted that their shared initiative signaled a collective responsibility to address the region’s complex security situation.
Turkiye Today echoed the condemnation, noting “Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye share a common position in strongly condemning drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. These tragic incidents are …” and underscored the need for coordinated response.
Yenisafak reported similar sentiments, stating that the three Black Sea states had condemned the attacks, pledged to strengthen regional security cooperation and uphold freedom of navigation.
These incidents are part of a growing pattern of drone attacks that have targeted merchant ships across the Black Sea. Shipping companies, port authorities and regional transport corridors have all expressed concern about the continuing threat to maritime commerce.
Free navigation on the Black Sea is vital for the economies of the surrounding nations. The joint statement aimed to reassure cargo operators and prevent further disruptions of trade flows that depend on these maritime routes.
The proposed coordination mechanism will create a platform for real‑time information sharing, joint patrols, and a shared operational response to emerging threats. By establishing a formal structure, the three states hope to deter future attacks and uphold international maritime norms.
Each side said it would finalize its protocols and move to sign the memoranda in the coming weeks. Under the agreement, the countries will likely conduct joint exercises, as well as evaluate supply chains and protective measures to enhance vessel security.
With the trilateral mechanism taking shape, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey are poised to respond more effectively to any new drone threats, ensuring that the Black Sea remains open for safe commerce and secure shipping lanes.
