The Hungarian government has authorised military troop movements across the country as part of an international Black Sea mine-clearing mission, according to a government decree published in the latest issue of the Hungarian Gazette. The decision allows up to 500 military personnel at a time to transit through Hungary en route to operations in Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye.

Hungary approves transit for Black Sea mission

Under the newly published government resolution, Hungary has approved border-crossing military movements connected to the OP REASSURANCE MCM Black Sea operation. The measure supplements a previous government decision adopted in 2024 and remains valid for the entire duration of the international mandate. According to the decree, no more than 500 personnel may be present in Hungary as part of the operation at any one time.

What is OP REASSURANCE MCM Black Sea?

OP REASSURANCE is Canada’s military contribution to security and stability efforts in Europe. The MCM (Mine Countermeasures) Black Sea component focuses on detecting and neutralising sea mines in the Black Sea region.

According to information provided by Canada’s Department of National Defence, the mission aims to identify and remove maritime mines that pose risks to shipping and coastal areas, particularly those that could drift towards the shores of NATO member states.

“Op REASSURANCE is currently the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) largest overseas mission, through which the CAF contributes to NATO deterrence and defence measures in Central and Eastern Europe, and is part of the biggest reinforcement of Alliance collective defence in a generation,” the department’s official website says. “Over 3,000 CAF members are deployed throughout the year in support of Operation REASSURANCE, making it Canada’s largest current international military operation.”

The Black Sea has become increasingly hazardous since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, with floating mines posing a threat to both commercial shipping and civilian maritime activities.

Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye among destination countries

The Hungarian government’s resolution specifically names Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye as the destination countries and planned operational areas for the mission. While the decree does not provide details regarding the exact routes or timing of the troop movements, it confirms that Hungary will serve as a transit country for personnel involved in the operation.

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Featured image: illustration, Facebook/Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf