On March 23, the Third Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimea Platform commenced in Chisinau.

The event opened with remarks from government representatives and international institutions, including foreign and defense ministers, European commissioners, and high-ranking officials from international organizations.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha underscored that Black Sea security is vital for all of Europe and directly impacts global stability. He emphasized that Russia systematically uses the region as a tool for pressure—attacking infrastructure, blocking navigation, and stealing Ukrainian grain. According to the Minister, Ukraine has already proven its ability to change the situation at sea, but sustainable security requires decisive international action and tougher sanctions. He specifically stressed that stable peace in the Black Sea region is impossible without the de-occupation of Crimea.

“The only solution is the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It all starts with Crimea, and it must end with Crimea. Crimea is Ukraine.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, highlighted that Black Sea security is key for the whole of Europe, noting that Russia’s war against Ukraine has fundamentally altered the regional security architecture. He emphasized that Ukraine is effectively deterring aggression and protecting not only itself but other European states, thus requiring full support. Minister Popșoi affirmed that Moldova supports Ukraine in establishing a Special Tribunal and a Reparations Commission.

He also drew attention to the direct consequences of the war for Moldova—airspace violations, hybrid threats, energy pressure, and the presence of foreign troops—and called for a united international response:

“Recent Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure led to the pollution of the Dniester River. As a result, several districts from the northern part of the Republic of Moldova were left without drinking water. The challenges can only be overcome together with like-minded partners. We must defend international law, including the non-recognition of the occupation of Crimea,” stated the Moldovan Foreign Minister.

Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova Anatolie Nosatîi stated that Russia’s full-scale war has radically changed the regional security landscape and highlighted the strategic significance of the Black Sea for Europe. He noted that effective security is only possible through unity, partnership, and collective action, requiring strengthened defense capabilities and closer cooperation with international allies.

Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Lazar Comanescu, noted that stability and security in the region can only be achieved by upholding international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that economic cooperation plays a vital role alongside the security dimension. According to Comanescu, a combination of security and economic tools, coupled with enhanced regional coordination, will ensure the resilience and development of the Black Sea region.

The session concluded with video addresses from Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement.

In her address, Kaja Kallas emphasized that the Black Sea region has long been the epicenter of Russian aggression. She identified key priorities, including protecting freedom of navigation, demining, countering hybrid threats, and establishing a Black Sea Maritime Security Center as an early-warning system. Kallas also stressed the need to deepen cooperation with regional countries, specifically Ukraine and Moldova, to strengthen collective security.

Marta Kos underlined that Black Sea security is an inseparable part of European security, as the region connects EU member states, candidate countries, and key partners. She stated that EU enlargement—particularly regarding Ukraine and Moldova—is an investment in stability. Furthermore, the development of infrastructure, energy, and transport links enhances the region’s resilience against modern challenges.