The European Union is raising a security wall in the Black Sea as the Russian threat is heavily thrown into Eastern Europe.

The Commission presented a new black sea strategy on Wednesday, which, among other things, will allow the block to carry heavy military equipment, and to defensively enhance the vital geostrategic area.

“Security in the Black Sea is also vital for European security”, The EU’s High Representative on Foreign Policy Kaya Kalas said in a press conference, adding that it is currently undermined by the Kremlin’s total war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on marine infrastructure.

The strategy is also an answer to the “geopolitical challenges” in a world where “addictions are tool”, said Martha Mr. Mr., Commissioner for EU enlargement. The Black Sea is a bridge to the southern Caucasus and Central Asia and vital artery For energy and food trade, he said.

The Black Sea region has been destabilized by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as large -scale use of mines and military actions have prevented the flow of goods comments by Politico. At the same time, Eastern European countries are afraid of further aggression from Moscow, beyond Ukraine, And they want to enhance their defensive potential.

Romania and Bulgaria are EU countries on the Black Sea coast, and the block will invest in upgrading regional infrastructure, such as ports, railways and airports, to handle heavy military equipment. This will help to ensure that ‘Troops can be where they need when needed’, Callas said.

Previously, European Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said that upgrading of transport infrastructure for military use across Europe would cost approximately 75 billion euros.

The EU also plans to create a Black Sea Marine Security Node, which will serve as Europe’s early warning system in the area. Callas noted that the node would provide timely warning, enhancing business awareness and help the EU protect its critical infrastructure. The location of the node, its operating model and costs have not yet been finalized, he said.

Another security move is the increased surveillance of foreign ownership ports and other basic facilities, Callas said.

In trade, The EU will develop new energy corridorstransport connections and digital infrastructures with regional partners, according to Mr. The block will also invest in the readiness of coastal communities and the maritime economy to tackle environmental damage related to war and the risk of climate change.

“Around the world, countries are now looking for cooperation with reliable and predictable partners, such as the EU,” said Mr. “Such collaborations will make us collectively safer and create business opportunities for everyone.”

The Commission pointed to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan as partners with whom they want to forge narrower ties through the new strategy.