MEPs condemned the attacks and called for joint European action to protect commercial shipping.
Bulgarian MEPs Andrey Novakov and Emil Radev, together with colleagues from the European Parliament’s defense committee, condemned the attacks on merchant ships off the Bulgarian coast. In a joint video address, representatives of the European People’s Party Group expressed solidarity with Bulgaria and called for concrete action to ensure security in the Black Sea.
Andrey Novakov emphasized that the attacks are no longer solely a Bulgarian problem and demand a united European response. As a concrete step toward this goal, he announced that, together with his colleague Emil Radev, they are initiating a visit by an MEP delegation to Sofia and Varna over the next two weeks. It will include representatives of the defense committee, who will inspect critical infrastructure vital to public safety.
The need for European support was also highlighted by Emil Radev, who warned of risks to the Bulgarian economy and tourism. He also urged assistance from European partners and NATO allies to better protect commercial shipping.
In this context, proposals included establishing a European naval mission in the Black Sea modeled after Operation Aspides. Operating under a clear defensive mandate, it would escort and protect commercial vessels and their crews.