Von der Leyen to pledge new support for Romania and Bulgaria
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Romania and Bulgaria on November 9 and 10, the EC said.
This year, Europe has faced an alarming rise in hybrid threats, attacks, and incursions into EU territory, the statement said.
Around half of these incidents have affected Romania, Bulgaria and the Black Sea region.
During her visit, Von der Leyen will reaffirm Europe’s solidarity with both countries and determination to restore and preserve freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, the EC said.
Discussions will focus on strengthening maritime surveillance, accelerating defence investments and improving our capacity to respond to crises.
Von der Leyen will also announce new EU support for both countries to strengthen their security and resilience in these uncertain times.
In Bucharest on November 9,Von der Leyen is meeting Nicușor Dan, President of Romania, and Luca-Alexandru Niculescu, Prime Minister of Romania.
On November 10, Von der Leyen will be in Varna, Bulgaria. She will meet Prime Minister Roumen Radev and visit the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.
