European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged €10 million for search and rescue in Bulgaria on 10 November, bringing her Black Sea tour pledges to €70 million. A day earlier in Bucharest, she said the EU would back the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, which Romania and Bulgaria are building, with €50 million.

In Varna, von der Leyen said drone strikes on ships have disrupted navigation and sent insurance costs “skyrocketing,” and blamed Russia, which she said “wants to spread fear and uncertainty in Europe.” She called free Black Sea navigation vital for Ukraine’s economy and global food security. Meanwhile, US-brokered Ukraine-Russia talks opened in Abu Dhabi the same day, with unblocking the Black Sea among Kyiv’s priorities.

From Bucharest to Varna

In Bucharest, von der Leyen said the EU had agreed with both governments to fast-track the hub and set a clear timeline. She pledged another €10 million to Romanian search and rescue.

In Varna, she welcomed Bulgaria’s request to use some funds from SAFE, the EU’s defense industry program, “to better protect Bulgaria and the Black Sea.” She did not say what Bulgaria wants to buy.

Nine ships, 34 people

Since early October, drones have hit at least nine merchant ships off the two countries, leaving 34 people dead or missing, AFP reported on 7 November. It followed the discovery of remains, most likely of six sailors, aboard the tanker Wine Trader during repairs in Varna.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed on 18 October that its drones had struck a large cargo ship. The Wine Trader’s Italy-based manager told Maritime.bg the footage shows his tanker.

After a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, von der Leyen said that “freedom of navigation in the Black Sea must be restored and preserved” and that the EU would attend the talks.

On 3 November, Zelenskyy listed Kyiv’s priorities: first, a ceasefire on energy and critical infrastructure, and second, unblocking the Black Sea. After his 9 November call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his office said India is ready to mediate in setting up food corridors. In his evening address, though, Zelenskyy said Russia had not supported India’s food security proposals.