The European Union is creating a new Black Sea Maritime Security Hub to enhance surveillance of Russian activities, including monitoring potential ceasefire violations in Ukraine and tracking sanction-busting oil tankers, The Telegraph reports.

The hub is part of the EU’s effort to boost real-time awareness and protect vital infrastructure in the region.

Real-time monitoring from space to seabed

The command center will deliver live intelligence across the Black Sea, covering:

• Movements of Russian military and commercial vessels
• Activity by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers
• Early alerts on sabotage risks to undersea infrastructure, including energy cables and offshore rigs

The system aims to give EU countries full-spectrum visibility, “from space to seabed,” according to officials.

“The exact size, shape and location of the monitoring station is still up for negotiation,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Core of the EU’s new Black Sea Strategy

The surveillance hub is central to the EU’s first comprehensive Black Sea Strategy, which focuses on:

• Reducing Russian influence
• Securing maritime trade routes
• Strengthening logistics and defense readiness

The plan includes infrastructure upgrades and deeper cooperation with neighboring states.

“Getting equipment to the region faster strengthens deterrence and also supports NATO,” Kallas noted.

Ukraine’s naval advances shift the balance

The EU’s move follows Ukraine’s successful use of maritime drones and Western weapons like Storm Shadow and Atacms, which forced much of Russia’s fleet back to home ports.

With Ukraine now maintaining a protected grain corridor along the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts, trade route security remains a top priority.

Regional cooperation — with limits

Out of the six Black Sea-bordering countries, Bulgaria and Romania are EU members. Ukraine is an applicant nation and key military partner. The strategy also seeks to connect the EU with the southern Caucasus and Central Asia through new energy and digital corridors.

However, Türkiye presents diplomatic challenges. Though a NATO member and EU candidate, it continues commercial ties with Russia and controls the Bosphorus Strait.

“This is also an invitation for closer cooperation with all countries around the Black Sea, including Türkiye,” Kallas said.