The third panel discussion of the main day of the Second Black Sea Security Conference
During the third panel discussion “Ensuring Maritime Stability: International Organizations and Black Sea Security”, the following participants were invited to speak: Manfred Seitz, Director-General of the Secretariat of the Danube
Commission; Birgit Vogel, Executive Secretary of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR); Dimitrios Rallis, Deputy Secretary General of the Permanent International Secretariat of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC); Henrik Hansen, Regional Supply Chain Officer at United Nations World Food Programme; Hiroyuki Yamada, Director of the Maritime Safety Department, International Maritime Organization. The discussion was moderated by Dr Yevgeniya Gaber, Professor of National Security Studies, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.
In March 2022, the organization decided to exclude Russia from all workgroups. Russia has even attacked the Danube ports. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and attacks on the Danube River infrastructure are a distinct violation of the Danube River Protection Convention,
Manfred Seitz stressed. He added that Russia’s crimes must be condemned, but now the international community must be prepared for further destructive actions by Russia:
It is not enough to simply exclude the Russians, because they may just not respect any agreements.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, in addition to significant human loss, has had other serious negative outcomes, namely environmental problems that could pose a threat to the environment and the water status of the Danube River, its basin, and, consequently, the Black Sea.
We cannot ignore the environmental impact of conflict while addressing security concerns. The crucial role of environmental sustainability in overall long-term stability should not be overlooked. The release of hazardous materials such as oil and chemicals, and pollution from downed aircraft can have far-reaching consequences in the Danube and the Black Sea,
Birgit Vogel noted and urged representatives of international organizations to cooperate in addressing environmental safety issues.
Dimitrios Rallis supported her speech:
The search for solutions to environmental problems should be pursued through close cooperation and collaboration between all parties while adhering to international law
The Deputy Secretary General of the Permanent International Secretariat of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) remarked that after February 24, 2022, the world cannot exist as before, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine has impacts that go far beyond the borders of one country.
We aim to keep Ukrainian harbors open. We must ensure their security because we cannot afford to use other channels,
Henrik Hansen added. He mentioned that the UN World Food Program will strive to keep the corridor open and secure.
Of course, the most important thing for us is freedom of navigation, and we believe that international trade should continue uninterrupted even now,
Hiroyuki Yamada stated. He emphasized that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been involved in this process from the very beginning and will continue to do so.
The IMO ensures international transportation, guarantees its safety, and monitors the implementation of directives, regulations, and conventions. The main one is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shifted the focus of the IMO’s attention, as this situation has a strong impact on the industry at the international level.
