Ready for a Breakthrough: Elements for a European Union Strategy Towards the Black Sea Region

Abstract

Noting the growing strategic importance of the wider Black Sea area and specific European Union (EU) interests, this article reviews the recent developments within and around the region and the existing EU policy instruments. The emergent Black Sea identity is illustrated by the growth and institutional maturity of regional cooperative arrangements, in particular the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), which warrant a more structured approach on the part of the EU. It is further argued that there are already practical instances of constructive EU involvement in, and interaction with, Black Sea regional structures. These are indicatively grouped in seven thematic clusters: security and stability; energy; transport; environment and sustainable development; science and technology; justice and home affairs; democratic institutions and good governance. The authors conclude that, based on the current EU experience and practice of regional engagement, the time has come for a real breakthrough by developing a coherent Black Sea dimension of EU’s regional policies.