Romania Adapts Black Sea Security After Drone Incidents

Romania is continuously adjusting its security measures along the Black Sea coast following recent incidents involving naval mines and drones entering its territorial waters and reaching the shore. President Nicușor Dan assured the public that the country is enhancing its protective measures on multiple fronts.

“

How safe will we be if we come to the Black Sea coast? On the one hand, as I said, on June 10 we will have a discussion at NATO and we expect additional equipment. On the other hand, the Border Police will supplement the teams that carry out search and reconnaissance missions for potential dangers. Thirdly, there is constant dialogue with Ukraine and a protocol was already planned that would include this type of event.

Speaking after a meeting with military leaders in Constanța, Dan highlighted that Romania is increasing its national defense capabilities and strengthening cooperation within NATO. Additionally, a constant dialogue with Ukraine is maintained to coordinate responses to such events. "How safe will we be if we come to the Black Sea coast?" Dan asked, before detailing the steps being taken, including expected equipment supplements from NATO by June 10.

The president emphasized that security developments in the region are directly influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has introduced additional risks for Black Sea nations. He noted that past incidents with mines and drones reaching Romanian shores did not result in casualties due to the prompt and appropriate actions of the authorities.

“

As a final argument, we have a war that, unfortunately, started more than 4 years ago. As a side effect of this war, we have had both mines and maritime drones that entered territorial waters and reached the Romanian shore, and there were no victims, because, with the equipment they have, the authorities acted appropriately.

Naval forces have participated in NATO exercises specifically designed to counter these maritime threats, reflecting an adaptation to new technological risks in maritime security. "We are adapting to new technology. Romania is not the only country that has gone through this; we are adapting," the president added.

“

We are adapting to new technology. Romania is not the only country that has gone through this; we are adapting.

Representatives from the tourism industry also addressed the situation. Corina Martin, president of RESTO Constanța, clarified that while tourists were briefly evacuated from beaches following a drone incident in Constanța port, there have been no evacuations from hotels. The industry is working to ensure the safety and continuity of the summer tourist season.

“

Regarding the situation reported by ISU on the Romanian Coast, we specify that, for a few minutes, tourists were evacuated from the beaches (...) and there are no tourist evacuations from hotels.