France Backs Bulgaria-Romania Black Sea Security Hub

France has pledged support for a new Black Sea Maritime Security Hub being developed jointly by Bulgaria and Romania, with planned facilities in Varna and Constanța. The initiative aims to strengthen maritime surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and regional defenses against hybrid and cyber threats.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Paris's support during a visit to the Bulgarian Naval Academy in Varna on October 24, where he met Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova.

The hub will operate as a network of complementary centers in the two Black Sea port cities. Bulgaria's component is expected to be located at the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna, while Romania will host the second facility in Constanța.

According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the planned activities include maritime situational awareness, protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats and environmental security.

Petrova said the technical foundations and necessary expertise were already available at the naval academy, but additional infrastructure and systems for processing collected information would be required.

The project forms part of the European Union's broader security strategy for the Black Sea region. France has expressed political support for its establishment, although a specific French financial contribution, project budget or implementation timetable has not been announced.

The discussions followed recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, including incidents near Bulgarian waters on October 6 and 13. Both ministers emphasized the need for stronger coordination among European Union and NATO members to protect maritime traffic and civilian crews.

Bulgaria and France also signed an updated roadmap for their strategic partnership during the visit. The agreement covers several areas of cooperation, including defense, defense industry, energy, space technologies and artificial intelligence.

Bulgaria and Romania agreed earlier in 2026 to cooperate on the maritime security initiative, with the finalized project presented by Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu in June.

The planned security hub represents a further step toward coordinated monitoring and protection of the Black Sea, particularly as regional governments seek to strengthen their ability to identify and respond to maritime and hybrid threats.

The authorities have not announced a procurement procedure, selected technology suppliers or confirmed when the facilities will become operational.