EU’s New Strategic Approach to the Black Sea
BSEC-URTA highly values the European Union’s renewed strategic focus, which aligns with its own objectives to improve road transport efficiency and strengthen regional trade integration in the Black Sea area.
On 28 May, the European Union introduced a new strategy aimed at establishing a stable and secure Black Sea region. This strategy enhances connectivity and promotes growth by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond.
The European Union seeks to foster closer cooperation with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, while advancing regional collaboration on connectivity. A number of these nations have opted to pursue paths toward European Union accession or closer alignment with the European Union itself. This strategy intends to deliver tangible benefits to both Black Sea partners and the European Union by investing in and deepening critical mutually beneficial partnerships.
The strategy will bring all relevant EU instruments and policies together, mobilising investments in line with the Global Gateway Strategy and in a Team Europe spirit – that is, the EU institutions in cooperation with the Member States, as well as the European financial institutions.
Three pillars for future EU-Black Sea cooperation
Together with its partners in the region, the EU will implement three flagship initiatives under each of these pillars to unlock the region’s potential for growth, while also addressing the immediate challenges of conflict and security:
A) BLACK SEA MARITIME SECURITY
The Black Sea Maritime Security, and the establishment of a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, will strengthen maritime safety and security, protect critical maritime infrastructure and the marine environment. It will also strengthen regional cooperation on demining and address risks to the environment and maritime safety.
B) CONNECTIVITY AGENDA
A dedicated Connectivity Agenda – aligned with the extended Trans-European Networks – will develop transport, energy and digital networks to leverage the potential of the Black Sea region as a vital corridor linking Europe with Central Asia through the South Caucasus, boosting economic growth and competitiveness.
C) REINFORCING PREPAREDNESS AND BLUE ECONOMY SECTORS
Preparedness of coastal communities and blue economy sectors will be reinforced to enable Black Sea countries to tackle war-related environmental damage, respond to climate-change related risks and seize opportunities for sustainable growth.
Future EU cooperation in the region will focus on:
· enhancing security, stability, and resilience
· fostering growth and prosperity
· promoting environmental protection and preparedness
The EU’s emphasis on improved connectivity aligns with BSEC-URTA’s objective of enhancing transport infrastructure. This strategy promotes sustainable growth and secure transport routes that link the Black Sea to the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Central Asian regions, thereby facilitating cross-border transportation.
With the EU’s renewed focus on BSEC logistics, alternative transport routes for BSEC-URTA members have been strengthened, particularly benefiting Ukraine and Moldova. Moldova’s Giurgiulești Port has emerged as a key hub for trade, reinforcing BSEC-URTA’s efforts to enhance regional trade resilience.
