Bulgaria and Romania to create a special command in the Black Sea
14 July, 2024 Romanian special forces soldiers. Photo credits: Romanian Navy Bulgaria and Romania sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a regional command of special forces in the Black Sea.
The Ministry of National Defence of Romania announced this. During the discussions between NATO countries, Romania and Bulgaria identified the need for command and control structures in the Black Sea to control it. First of all, it is noted that the new command will be responsible for protecting merchant ships from attacks, conducting inspections and general traffic control.
Romanian special forces soldier.
Photo credits: US Army
The new structure, which was positively received by other NATO countries, was named C2 FOS to support common interests in the Black Sea. "The security and stability of the Black Sea region is a priority for Romania and the Alliance. Together with Bulgaria, we will be an important element in the coordination of the Alliance's Special Forces, strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense," Angel Tilvar, Minister of National Defense of Romania, shared.
The development of this area is one of Romania's specific projects to strengthen the deterrence and defense of its allies on the eastern flank. In addition, today, this flank has been activated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has created new challenges for countries with access to the Red Sea.
Romanian special forces during a training exercise. Photo credits: Romanian Navy
Militarnyi previously reported that Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey started a joint mine-hunting force in the Black Sea.
The initiative, the first major joint action of Black Sea nations since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, is aimed at defusing mines drifting into specific areas of the Black Sea as a result of the war.
Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania signed a joint agreement on January 11, 2024.
To implement it, the countries plan to create a joint fleet that will defuse mines off their coasts.