Stop Russian strikes on EU territory

The EPP Group calls for an EU naval operation in the Black Sea to protect ships and counter aerial threats near the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania, including the Danube Delta. This is the message the EPP Group will convey during the debate later today on the escalating Russian attacks against EU Member States.

"Russia’s aggression in the Black Sea signals desperation due to poor performance on the front line in Ukraine. However, provocation and escalation are possible only if the EU’s defence posture and capabilities are insufficient. An adversary who sees unbreakable capabilities stays at bay," says Andrey Novakov MEP, the EPP Group’s lead negotiator on the topic. 

"Russia bears full responsibility for destabilising the Black Sea region and for attacking civilian vessels. The EU’s actions will never be offensive but defensive, in favour of EU citizens, our lands and skies, trade, the economy, tourism and freedom," Novakov adds.

The EPP Group insists that the EU’s next long-term budget reflects Member States’ need to defend their territories against  Russian attacks.

"The future budget must address security and defence needs, including in the Black Sea region. The EU must step up maritime and air surveillance, intelligence sharing and the protection of EU Black Sea ports and critical transport, energy and digital infrastructure, both onshore and offshore. Bulgaria and Romania must make full use of existing European funds to modernise their defences and counter this growing threat," says Novakov.