Nine Ships Hit, Four Sunk, 34 Sailors Dead or Missing: The Black Sea War Has Reached NATO's Doorstep

The European Union pledged €50 million on Monday to fast-track a Black Sea security hub after a wave of attacks on merchant ships off Romania and Bulgaria. Washington is steering the push for a safe-passage deal — and American energy interests are on the line.

By Clara Hughes

Since early October, at least nine ships have been struck in the exclusive economic zones of Romania and Bulgaria — both NATO and EU members. Four were sunk, and 34 sailors are dead or missing, Politico Europe reported. On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Romania with a response. "Threats, attacks and incursions are rising off the coasts of the Black Sea," she said. The bloc will "fast track the work on the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, with a clear timeline for completion and dedicated funding of €50 million." Keep reading with Altas Premium. Below: the attack timeline, who is being