A ten year dispute between Romania and Ukraine over territorial rights in the Black Sea has been resolved.

Judges at the International Court of Justice in the Hague have drawn up a new maritime border between the two, allowing each to access major untapped energy supplies. Romania and Ukraine had agreed beforehand to accept the judgement. Ukraine had said that the tiny Snake Island gave it rights to waters further to the west. Romania wanted a border extending to the north. In the end, the judges drew a line which gives Romania about 80 per cent of the area it had claimed. They also confirmed Ukraine’s assertion that Snake Island is indeed an inhabited island, and not just a rocky outcrop. Romania said the result gave them “great satisfaction.” Ukraine called it a wise compromise that would now allow each country to explore and exploit the Black Sea energy reserves.More about: Romania, Ukraine

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