BSEC-URTA Engages in EU Connectivity Agenda Platform in Brussels, Highlights Strategic Role of the Middle Corridor
BSEC-URTA participated in the opening event of the EU Connectivity Agenda Platform, held on 23 June in Brussels, upon invitation from the European Union.
The high-level gathering brought together key stakeholders from the European Union, international financial institutions, and partner regions to discuss the future of sustainable and resilient transport, energy, and digital connectivity between Europe, Asia, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
EU Emphasizes Shifting Geopolitical Connectivity Landscape
In her opening remarks, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, highlighted that traditional trade and transport routes between Europe and Asia are undergoing significant disruption due to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
She noted that the Northern Corridor has been heavily affected by developments related to Russia, while southern routes face increasing security challenges. Against this backdrop, she underscored the Middle Corridor as the most viable and strategic alternative for strengthening Europe–Asia connectivity.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
During the event, the BSEC-URTA delegation, led by President Eduart Kasa, held discussions with senior representatives of the European Union, including Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The delegation also emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea region in advancing the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, underlining its role as a key transit hub linking Europe and Asia.
Engagement with EU Transport Leadership
BSEC-URTA also met with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Participation of Major International Financial Institutions
The event gathered senior representatives from leading global financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation, and the World Bank.
These institutions highlighted the importance of mobilizing investment for sustainable transport infrastructure and strengthening regional economic integration across Europe and Asia.
Focus on the Middle Corridor and Regional Connectivity
Throughout the discussions, participants addressed key priorities including:
BSEC-URTA remains a trusted partner of the European Union, committed to promoting efficient, sustainable, and secure transport networks across the Black Sea region and beyond.
- Development of the Middle Corridor as a resilient Eurasian trade route
- Strengthening the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor
- Enhancing connectivity across transport, energy, and digital infrastructure
- Aligning investment frameworks with regional integration goals
BSEC-URTA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting efficient, sustainable, and secure transport networks across the Black Sea region, emphasizing its strategic role in facilitating Europe–Asia connectivity in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
