U.S. Senator Steve Daines, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, led a hearing focused on the significance of Central Asia and the Black Sea for global energy security.
During his opening remarks, Daines thanked witnesses for their participation and acknowledged Senator Murphy for his collaboration, particularly in efforts to repeal Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions on Central Asia. Daines stated, “It is time to put these antiquated Soviet-era trade restrictions to bed and further strengthen U.S. relations with the region. I am very appreciative of his work on this issue and am looking forward to continuing to work with him on it.”
Daines emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea for both European security and U.S. national interests. He said, “A clearly defined Black Sea strategy is imperative to the United States effectively countering Russian aggression in Europe and elsewhere…”
He also highlighted that energy security is closely linked to national security, referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a turning point that made this connection more apparent. Daines noted that while Europe has made some progress in reducing its reliance on Russian energy, more action is needed: “Reliance on Russia for energy supply is a recipe for European acquiescence to Russian influence and aggression.”
The senator pointed out that countries bordering the Black Sea face significant challenges due to unreliable energy supplies but are making efforts to address these issues. “They are all taking positive steps towards rectifying this situation, and their proactive action to address their insecurity should motivate the rest of Europe and encourage them to take steps to avoid a similar outcome,” he said.
Daines referenced recent developments in the Caucasus region as an opportunity for Central Asia’s energy resources to play a larger role in regional stability: “The recent peace deal in the Caucasus uncorks Central Asia’s vast energy resources and creates a future wherein these resources as well as other sources of power, be it gas, oil, nuclear, hydro or others to build the reliable baseload power necessary for their economies and national security.”
He called for increased engagement from Western nations: “Now is the moment for further engagement and for the Western world to stand together and facilitate reliable energy flows that will help ensure a bright and more secure future for the region.”
Beyond energy concerns, Daines discussed economic opportunities tied to western commerce with countries along the eastern shore of the Black Sea: “Joint investment and westward trade flows will create a rising tide that truly lifts not just the countries of origin, but those along the trade route as well as Europe and the broader western world.”
Reflecting on historical lessons from previous conflicts in Europe, Daines stressed continued U.S. leadership: “What happens in Europe does not stay in Europe. Two World Wars have proven that fact. The United States must lead the rest of the world in fighting back against the encroachment of our adversaries.”
He concluded by expressing hope that this hearing would foster open discussion about U.S. strategy regarding the Black Sea region: “My sincere hope for this hearing is that we can openly and honestly discuss U.S. Black Sea strategy, the importance of the region for global security, and work towards truly a more cohesive, comprehensive U.S. policy towards the region.”
