Brussels – In a statement made on Wednesday, the mayor of Cluj and former Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc asserted that Europe’s future is intricately tied to the security of the Black Sea region, which he insists must not become a “Russian lake.” During a discussion on the EU’s Strategy for the Black Sea at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), he underscored the strategic significance of the Black Sea, a crucial junction for three security domains: Russia to the north, Turkey and the Mediterranean to the south, and Europe and the Balkans to the west.
During his address, Boc pointed out that Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine has created instability in the area, urging the European Union to invest in vital infrastructure—such as ports, highways, railroads, and airports—to ensure both military and civilian mobility and readiness to defend its territory. He also noted that a comprehensive strategy for the Black Sea must include the Danube, as they represent an integrated strategic system.
Boc advocated for strong collaboration with regional countries—Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—viewing them as essential partners for Europe’s security and future, rather than mere neighbors. He concluded by declaring that the Black Sea ought to symbolize peace, freedom, and opportunity, transforming its current associations of fear and aggression.
Emil Boc, representing Romania at the CoR through the Association of Municipalities of Romania, participated on October 1 in the 5th meeting of the Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX), where topics included the European internal security strategy, the EU Strategy for the Black Sea, and the Union’s “Global Gateway” Strategy.
The European Commission’s communication to Parliament and Council on May 28, 2025, outlined the EU’s strategic perspective on the Black Sea as a region of significant geostrategic value, connecting Europe and Asia, and harboring untapped economic development potential alongside strategic transit routes, particularly for energy resources and critical raw materials. This significance is further emphasized by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, which has undermined the rules-based international order and revealed vulnerabilities in both European and regional security. Within this framework, security in the Black Sea is identified in the Strategy as a key component for achieving lasting and comprehensive peace. (2.10.2025)
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