Given the current development, the Black Sea can be described as a chessboard where future regional security and economic prosperity will be decided. Russia and its geopolitical objectives represent the geopolitical rivalry on one side and the Transatlantic community on the other. Romania is one of NATO’s and the US’ strongest and closest strategic allies in the Black Sea. This bond is manifested with security and economic agreements, joint exercises, and a US presence at key bases in Romania. However, representing such a position also brings many strategic challenges and pressure from Russia, which Romania has to counter and deal with.

How has Romania’s role in the Black Sea region evolved since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022? What are the strategic advantages and challenges Romania faces as a key NATO and US ally in the Black Sea region? How might Romania’s role in the Black Sea region change if the conflict in Ukraine continues or escalates? How specifically does Romania act in countering Russian influence in the Black Sea region and how does it respond to Russia’s counteroffensive measures?

This debate is by invitation only.

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