The European Maritime Safety Agency is giving Bulgaria and Romania satellite data to help them assess the situation after drone strikes on merchant ships in the Black Sea, a European Commission spokesperson said. See our earlier report: Democratic Bulgaria asks for an urgent hearing after strike on ships.

Both countries asked for the help, the spokesperson told a press briefing today when asked about the attacks of recent days. He said the Commission is watching the situation closely.

He called the strikes totally unacceptable. Russia's military attack on Ukraine poses serious threats in the Black Sea, including to freedom of navigation, he said. He called on Russia to stop anything that endangers international shipping and the lives of seafarers, and to respect international maritime law. Bulgaria and Romania are key to guarding the EU's eastern flank, the spokesperson added.

The two countries have received a total of €20bn for defence projects. Part of the money has already been paid in advance: €500m to Bulgaria and €2.5bn to Romania. Bulgaria and Romania will also take part in five joint European defence procurement projects.