Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis addressed the issue of the attack on a Greek-owned oil tanker outside Novorossiysk during the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, urging coordinated action from the EU to ensure maritime freedom.
During a recent meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis brought attention to the attack on a Greek-owned oil tanker that occurred outside of Novorossiysk on Saturday. This incident has resulted in heightened concerns over the security of shipping lanes in the Black Sea, especially given previous similar attacks on Greek vessels earlier in the year. Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of a unified response from EU member states in safeguarding maritime safety within international waters.
The Foreign Minister's remarks underline an ongoing issue in the Black Sea, where Greek-owned tankers have faced threats, including incidents reported in January and a notable attack near Crete in December 2025. These occurrences highlight the vulnerability of shipping operations in this strategically significant area. In light of these challenges, Gerapetritis condemned the recent acts of aggression and called for a more robust framework of cooperation among European nations to protect vessels operating legally in the region.
In addition to addressing the EU, Gerapetritis also kept his Ukrainian counterpart informed about the situation, reinforcing solidarity among nations affected by maritime security threats. This development indicates a growing recognition of the need for collective security in the Black Sea, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to influence shipping activities and trade routes.
