Brussels, 11/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission announced a new initiative which aims to reinforce regional cooperation between the four countries of the Black Sea Region which are not yet members of the EU: Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Georgia. The “Black Sea Synergy” project - which will be implemented as part of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP) and which will be granted no additional funds or new institutions - adds a new regional dimension to the ENP, alongside the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and the Northern Dimension, which have already been in existence for several years.
Basically, the EU is offering its help in promoting the rapprochement of the region, on the basis of sectorial programmes and Community initiatives already in existence in fields such as good governance, the movement of people and security, energy, transport, the environment, maritime policy, fisheries, trade, research, education, social affairs and science.
“Black Sea Synergy” is designed to be flexible, to ensure greater coherence and better regional cooperation of activities in these fields. The Commission also intends to get into closer contact with the organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), from which it hopes to request observer status. Eventually, the Commission hopes to hold regular ministerial meetings between these countries and the EU.
“With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, the EU has become part of the Black Sea region. Today, we have delivered on a promise made last December (in a press release on the ENP; see EUROPE 9320/3) to develop a regional dimension to the ENP. The time is ripe to focus political attention at the regional level and invigorate ongoing cooperation processes, opening an additional space for cooperation with Russia, Turkey and our eastern ENP partners. I am also hopeful that Black Sea Synergy will contribute to creating a better climate for the solution of the 'frozen conflicts' in the region”, commented Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner. (hb)