Von der Leyen to visit Black Sea amid deadly drone attacks

BRUSSELS — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is slated to visit Bulgaria and Romania next week, following a series of drone attacks on Black Sea vessels that have heightened security tensions along NATO’s eastern flank. According to three European Commission officials familiar with the plans, von der Leyen is expected to travel to both countries before attending the COP climate summit in Turkey.

“It’s now the deadliest shipping route in the world,” said one of the officials, who was granted anonymity to speak about security-related plans. At least seven commercial vessels were reportedly struck by drones in the Black Sea last month, leaving two sailors dead and at least 25 missing.

The attacks, which Romania blames on Russia, have brought the violence of the war in Ukraine dangerously close to NATO territory.