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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2933(RSP))

On the escalation of Russian strikes in the EU, particularly on Black Sea shipping, threatening human life, regional stability and food security

B-10-2026-0485

on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Sven Mikser, Victor Negrescu, Tonino Picula

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 22 Oct 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's resolution condemns recent drone attacks on civilian vessels in the western Black Sea, which killed and endangered seafarers and threatened freedom of navigation. It holds Russia responsible for this escalation of its war of aggression and calls for swift investigations, coordinated EU diplomatic action and targeted sanctions once attribution is established. It calls for the rapid operationalisation of a civilian-led Black Sea maritime security hub co-hosted by Bulgaria and Romania, with dedicated EU funding, and for a coordinated European framework for the safety of civilian navigation. It asks NATO to strengthen its posture and deploy counter-drone capabilities in the western Black Sea, and calls for closer regional cooperation with Türkiye, Ukraine and Moldova. It calls on the Commission to monitor risks to maritime trade and food supply, prepare contingency measures and support alternative export routes for Ukrainian agricultural products. It urges more military support for Ukraine, including air defence and deep strike capabilities, and use of immobilised Russian sovereign asset balances to back a reparations loan.

Key points

  1. Condemns the latest attacks on civilian vessels in the western Black Sea, which killed and endangered seafarers and threatened freedom of navigation and regional stability.
  2. Expresses condolences to families of killed seafarers, solidarity with Bulgaria and Romania, and calls for continued efforts to locate missing crew and EU search and rescue support.
  3. Recalls that attacks in or near Member States' territorial waters and exclusive economic zones threaten the EU as a whole and require a common EU response.
  4. Calls on the Commission, member states and social partners to reinforce seafarers' safety and rights, including risk assessment, insurance, hazard compensation and repatriation.
  5. Holds Russia responsible for the escalation, calls for swift completion of investigations and sharing of findings, and rejects unbacked claims of third-party involvement.
  6. Welcomes the European Council's call for immediate restoration of safe passage for grain ships, but regrets it has not been accompanied by measures to ensure it.
  7. Calls for swift and calibrated EU measures, including further sanctions listings and, once attribution is established, targeted sanctions, plus financial support for exposed coastal and port regions.
  8. Calls for the Black Sea maritime security hub to be established and operational as soon as possible, co-hosted by Bulgaria and Romania, with adequate dedicated EU funding.
  9. Calls on the Commission and VP/HR to reflect Black Sea threats in the forthcoming EU security strategy and develop a coordinated framework for civilian navigation safety.
  10. Calls for a common maritime situational awareness picture, a permanent mechanism for rapid satellite and intelligence support, and use of EU agencies' capabilities.
  11. Calls on NATO to strengthen its posture and deploy layered counter-drone capabilities in the western Black Sea, and supports a possible Black Sea initiative to protect shipping.
  12. Calls on the Commission to monitor risks to maritime trade and food and energy supply, prepare contingency measures including strategic stocks, and support alternative Ukrainian export routes.

Who is affected

  • Seafarers and crews of commercial vessels in the Black Sea, whom the resolution says are civilians entitled to protection.
  • Bulgaria and Romania, the two EU member states bordering the Black Sea, which the resolution says cannot face the threat alone.
  • Coastal and port regions most exposed to the attacks, which the resolution says bear significant economic and social costs.
  • Import-dependent countries and low-income households affected by disruption to food and energy trade.
  • Russia's shadow fleet, which the resolution condemns and calls to monitor, inspect and list.

Figures and deadlines

  • 5 October 2026: a Turkish-owned cargo ship carrying corn caught fire and sank off the Romanian coast.
  • 6 October 2026: drones struck the cargo ships Alfa Watan and Able in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
  • 13 October 2026: drones struck the Chelsea 3 and HS Dignity, 17 to 18 nautical miles off the Bulgarian coast.
  • More than 20 seafarers of several nationalities are missing after the attacks.
  • 15 October 2026: the tankers Wine Trader and Yara J caught fire after drone strikes off the Sulina Canal.
  • 17 October 2026: Romanian F-16s reportedly shot down two Geran-type drones over the Black Sea near Sulina.
  • Romania has recorded 54 drone intrusions into its air and sea space since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, 35 of them in 2026.
  • 20 October 2026: the North Atlantic Council is to hold a special session on Black Sea defence and deterrence.

Legal basis: Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 222 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.