Romanian leaders convene first CSAT meeting to address rising Black Sea drone threats

On Thursday, Prime Minister Luca Niculescu chaired his first Consiliul Suprem de Apărare a Țării session, joined by three newly appointed ministers. The meeting was called amid a rise in drone strikes over the Black Sea, which President Nicușor Dan described as an increasing threat linked to Russian aggression, the principal danger to Euro-Atlantic security in the area. Dan also emphasized Romania's crucial position in Ukraine's reconstruction through its Black Sea and Danube ports and transport corridors.

The council, now comprising the new government and senior security officials, will assess the security implications of the Black Sea incidents and consider steps to enhance response capabilities for protecting territorial waters and critical maritime assets. Additional agenda items will address other current national security issues. The president previously urged NATO allies for stronger drone-countering, surveillance and reconnaissance support, stressing unwavering alliance solidarity.