The Montreux Convention and a Black Sea Presence: Leveraging Law to Enable Operational Capabilities

The 1936 Montreux Convention inherently restricts the ability of the U.S. and non-riparian NATO states to transit warships through the Turkish Straits and into the Black Sea. These restrictions become increasingly salient during periods of hostility in the Black Sea theater. Despite the Montreux Conventions limitations on allied surface presence in the Black Sea, cognizant Commander, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) can leverage legal aspects of the convention to enable operational capabilities in theater. Notably, EUCOM can work with NATO partners to establish a multi-national surface action group to maximize the permissible warship presence in the Black Sea in accordance with the Montreux Convention. Moreover, in conjunction with riparian states and NATO partners, commanders can utilize the Danube River and Danube-Black Sea Canal to increase the on-station time of forces in the Black Sea. Lastly, EUCOM can leverage the inherent transit flexibility afforded auxiliary ships in the Montreux Convention to create operational opportunities in the Black Sea theater.