European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed stronger maritime cooperation between Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye, stressing that Europe must act urgently on defense and security. Speaking at a joint press conference with Romanian President Nicușor Dan in Bucharest, she discussed security in the Black Sea, the first stop on her regional tour. Dan said a secure Black Sea was essential for lasting peace in Ukraine and its reconstruction, warning that recent incidents in the region were part of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy. He also said Russia was seeking to escalate the war in Ukraine and draw European countries into the conflict. The two leaders discussed greater EU involvement in Black Sea security, including plans to establish a Black Sea Security Centre launched by Romania and Bulgaria with EU support.