Vigenin: The Black Sea must not become a new war zone

“The war has reached our shores. Civilian ships are being attacked systematically, and innocent sailors are losing their lives. We must not allow the conflict to engulf the Black Sea and turn it into a new war zone.” This was stated by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin during today’s debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The debate was dedicated to the attacks on ships in the Black Sea, which threaten human life, regional security and food supplies. The European Parliament’s resolution on the topic will be voted on Thursday, 22 October.

Immediate and coordinated European measures are needed

“Immediate and coordinated European measures are needed, such as enhanced maritime and satellite surveillance, early warning and counter-drone systems, and effective protection of merchant ships and their crews,” Vigenin insisted.

According to him, the establishment of the Maritime Security Centre in Varna should be accelerated with European support. This position was also backed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, who pointed to the joint Bulgarian-Romanian centre as an important part of Europe’s capabilities for surveillance and early detection of threats in the Black Sea.

Security will not come from more weapons alone

“We must strengthen our defence. But let us not delude ourselves – security will not come from more weapons alone. Diplomatic and political action is also needed to stop the attacks on civilian shipping and to end the war. Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova has raised this issue more than once. Today, I finally heard the need for diplomatic efforts from Ms Kallas as well,” the MEP stressed.

Vigenin said that the perpetrators of the attacks must be identified and held accountable, but warned that punishment alone will not bring back those who died: “We will find those responsible. But that will not bring back the sailors who lost their lives. Nor will it bring back the hundreds of thousands of men who will never again embrace their loved ones. It will not console the mothers who will weep for the rest of their days, in both Russia and Ukraine. Enough death. Enough destruction. It is time to make a real effort to stop this war.