Three NATO states broaden mine-clearing mission in Black Sea

Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye have agreed to broaden the mandate of their joint Black Sea mine countermeasures group to include the protection of critical infrastructure, their defence ministries said following a NATO summit in Ankara.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, July 8, expands a framework established in 2024, when the three NATO members created the task force to tackle the threat posed by drifting sea mines in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian media, citing Romania’s Ministry of Defence.

Since its formation, the group has neutralised more than 150 mines along key maritime trade routes in the Black Sea, with Türkiye carrying out the majority of operations.

Under the new mandate, the mission will also focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure, including energy installations, telecommunications networks and subsea pipelines.

The move reflects growing concerns over the vulnerability of strategic assets in the region, where all three countries are pursuing offshore gas exploration or production projects. Romania’s Neptun Deep development, expected to begin operations in 2027, is projected to make the country the European Union’s largest gas producer.

“Protection of critical infrastructure in the Black Sea requires a comprehensive, integrated and long-term approach,” Romania’s Defence Ministry said.

By Tamilla Hasanova