Romania could host a NATO command on the Black Sea starting in 2028, as part of a joint structure with Bulgaria and Turkey

Romania could host a NATO headquarters on the Black Sea starting in 2028, as part of talks with Bulgaria and Turkey aimed at strengthening regional security and protecting critical infrastructure.

Interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță said NATO member states bordering the Black Sea must step up cooperation and patrols in areas considered strategic. The three countries are discussing the development of a joint military structure, in the form of a task force, with rotating officers and command locations.

Romania is prepared to provide a location for the headquarters from 2028. The minister clarified, however, that this date does not necessarily mean the structure will begin operating, but rather marks the point from which the headquarters’ presence could be ensured in Romania. Miruță proposed that his Bulgarian counterpart sign a letter supporting the project’s operationalization.

To demonstrate its contribution, Romania intends to participate with five new military capabilities, including a corvette built in Turkey and vessels currently under construction, with completion estimated by 2030.

Separately, Romania also supports the creation of a European Union security hub on the Black Sea. The minister stressed that this project is separate from the task force discussed within NATO.