The Free & Open Indo-Pacific Forum’s president Kaush Arha, former US Forces Europe commander LTG (retd.) Ben Hodges, and former national security advisor to the president of Romania, George Scutaru, analyze the Ukraine war’s impact on economic and security issues. Russia’s control over Crimea and its blockade have forced Ukraine to divert grain exports through Romania’s ports, threatening freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
The article emphasizes the importance of modernizing the Danube transport corridor to secure peace and prosperity in southeastern Europe. With Russia’s occupation of Crimea hindering Ukraine’s ports, the Danube becomes crucial for exporting grain. NATO’s readiness for mobilizing assets is limited by existing rail networks, making the Danube an advantageous corridor for military transport.
The modernization of the Danube not only benefits regional economies and NATO preparedness but also enhances connectivity for industrial development and trade with the Caucasus and Central Asia. The EU’s focus on Danube’s governance, infrastructure, and investment regimes is essential for Europe’s security and economic interests.
In conclusion, the article calls for strategic efforts to optimize and fortify Danube’s capabilities in the face of Russian threats, highlighting the need for European and NATO cooperation with US support to ensure the region’s peace and prosperity.
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