The European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, which begins on October 19 and runs until October 22, will focus on security in the Black Sea, EU relations with Russia and Ukraine, and the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on October 15-16.
Black Sea security and European defence
On Tuesday morning, MEPs will discuss the escalation of Russian attacks on shipping in the Black Sea, which threaten human lives, regional stability and food security. The issue is on the agenda for a resolution vote on Thursday. The debate is expected to address the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea off the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania, and the risks to civilian shipping in the region.
On October 13, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship HS Dignity sank off the Bulgarian coast following a drone attack, with 11 sailors reported missing. Another vessel, the Malta-flagged Chelsea 3, was also hit, but its crew survived. On October 15, further attacks on two tankers off Romania were reported. Bulgarian authorities asked NATO to deploy fighter aircraft and counter-drone systems. Sofia has not officially blamed Moscow for the incidents, while the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria said it had no information about the attacks on the vessels.
MEPs will also discuss the escalation of Houthi attacks and their implications for security in the Middle East. The debate is scheduled for Tuesday, with a vote on the relevant text on Thursday. The issue concerns threats to shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and the impact of attacks on merchant vessels on international trade.
European Council conclusions
On Wednesday, MEPs will discuss the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on October 15-16. European leaders considered issues relating to the EU’s competitiveness, support for Ukraine and Moldova, European defence and security, migration, enlargement and the next multiannual financial framework.
In their conclusions, the leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the need for a just and lasting peace backed by credible security guarantees. They stressed the need to strengthen the EU’s defence readiness, improve the protection of its external borders and accelerate work on counter-drone systems. Other priorities include reducing strategic dependencies and strengthening Europe’s defence industry.
The European Council welcomed progress towards Ukraine’s and Moldova’s accession to the EU, stressing that the process should continue on the basis of the reforms achieved. The conclusions also cover relations with the Middle East, international law and preparations for the COP31 climate conference. The debate in the European Parliament is expected to give political groups an opportunity to set out their positions on the EU’s main decisions and priorities.
The plenary session will conclude on Thursday with debates on international issues, including EU-Canada relations and preparations for COP31. The programme includes both legislative files scheduled for votes and political debates that will shape the European Parliament’s positions on key European and international policy issues.
European Parliament Debates Black Sea Security and EU Support for Ukraine 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-19 09:35:24
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