THE BLACK SEA REGION in EU POLICIES the Black Sea Region in EU Policies

Home , Black Sea, Black Sea Region

Marusya Lyubcheva

THE BLACK SEA REGION IN EU POLICIES The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

Marusya Lyubcheva Black Sea Institute

Burgas, Bulgaria July 2010 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

contents

1. Introduction ...... 3

2. Background ...... 3

3. Black Sea Organizations ...... 7

4. EU and Black Sea Co-operation 9

5. Black Sea Synergy ...... 11

6. Black Sea Co-operation – Problems and Prospects ...... 19

7. Bulgaria’s Role in Black Sea Co-operation 26 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

1. Introduction to obtain the necessary data to develop their ideas. Only then will each program and each The ideas and views about the establish- document have a finished state and give the ment of a strong Black Sea Region (BSR) as necessary basis for sustainable development a strategic part of the European Union could of the BSR. become reality. It seems fashionable today to talk about sustainable development, al- The sea is not only a policy, the sea is not though it actually exceeds the formalism of only trade, the sea is not only a road, the sea the spoken words. The sustainable develop- is not only an energy transfer zone, but also ment of the Black Sea Region, and in this an emotion and a specific spirit of the people respect the sustainable development of the living there. This must never be overlooked in Black Sea is a concept of great significance: it any analysis. is a way of life, shared by everyone who lives in or performs any kind of activity in the region. This philosophy includes several impor- 2. Background tant elements, some of which are subjects of the discussion “The Black Sea Region in EU The theme of the role of the Black Sea in the policies”. The different aspects of sustain- world is not a new one. It is too pretentious in able policies in the region after the Black Sea one report to examine the complete historical Synergy and its implementation are of key significance of the BSR in the transformations importance for 350 million people living here of civilization and pay detailed attention to all and for a territory of 423 000 sq km of the the people who have inhabited and now in- Black Sea Area. They are of great importance habit this beautiful area. But we cannot fail for all the people sharing the specific culture, to note that this region is more of a bridge historical heritage and recent development between civilizations than a border zone. and trying to find their common future. Numerous linguistic and religious communities have appeared, died out and appeared This report attempts to assess the state of again and today are still present here - Thra- co-operation in the Black Sea Region through cians, Greeks, Scythians, Romans, Byzantines, historical interpretation, by examining the Bulgarians, Turks, Russians and many others complex processes of changes and transfor- in the complex national kaleidoscope. This mations after the 90s, by assessing the con- makes the region diverse and complicated, temporary impact of old and new factors for but also interesting and important. regional development and by looking at problems whose solution would give new perspec- In the 10th century the famous Bulgarian tives for the region. poet John Exarch wrote: “The Sea brings together all which is at a distance”. Many years Indeed, a great deal of research and analy- later, today, we would like to bring together sis has been and is still being carried out for people from different countries around the the region, but much of it is from an outside Black Sea, to talk about the differences and view. This external look draws the core of the the similarities and to think about the com- problems far away from the people of the re- mon future. It is not a dream, it is only a gion and sometimes reflects neither the reali- hope! ties that are important, nor the needs of the people who it defines. It is therefore neces- It is quite clear that the Black Sea area has sary in any discussion and analysis on policy belonged to European territory since ancient formation at various levels, to put people of times. The region has played a central role in the region in the first place, for representa- many historical events – at the heart of the tives of various groups from the region to Eastern issue in the 18th century, a crossing be heard and for scientists from the region point in the period between the two world The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

wars, at the centre of the battle between East land”. In the case of the Black Sea basin this and West after the Second World War, a very means “common sea”. Carrying out differ- disturbed region after the changes in the 90s. ent activities, all the people should remember that they are dependent on the sea, that the Indeed, the Black Sea area is not a famil- coastal territory also is dependent on the sea. iar ground of the common European policy This dependence refers to each country and to the extent, to which the Northern dimen- to all the countries at the same time. There sion and the Mediterranean Sea (through the is no doubt that it brings countries together Barcelona process) are involved. The strategy and makes them neighbours forever. No mat- for the Baltic Region and the Mediterranean ter how great the differences between the Union, are facts in the newest EU policy. The countries are in political, economic and so- other fact we have to take into account is that cial terms, this neighbourhood makes them the Black Sea Region does not possess the responsible for a common co-existence in true characteristics which could identify it as the region, namely in terms of preserving the a united uniform region. However, the term Black Sea, which is the prime source for the Black Sea Region is more terminology and it is existence of the region. Certainly, the preser- used for the area encompassing the countries vation should be accepted in all its aspects. whose territories lie around the Black Sea. Regional co-operation among the Black The highly sensitive issues in the life of the Sea countries should be developed in close people in the area are their self-confidence, the interaction with all the actors that are some- feeling that they belong to the Black Sea area how linked to the Black Sea. and the awareness of their identity as not just a national one, but as one of the Black Sea. This For these reasons international support forms a new idea for the regional development should be very helpful and the role of the EU – the idea that the Black Sea unites countries, as the main neighbour in this region is cru- not just to mark the territory geographically cial. Therefore the idea that “the Black Sea but to form a Black Sea Region. 350 million unites” could develop into the idea of creat- people have a very similar or even common ing a Black Sea Euro Region. cultural, ethnic or linguistic basis. The layers of cultural and historical heritage surely belong to The historical and recent development of each one of the countries /juridical/, but at the the Black Sea countries shows that today they same time they belong to all the people from do not seem willing to take a decision on which this territory. If we try to divide up the situation way is more beneficial and successful. The lines at the present into constituent parts, we have that separate still seem to be stronger than those to consider that it is extremely difficult to do which unite, regardless of the understanding the same with the past. And it is quite clear that the sea always brings people together. that the division of the past in this way could Speaking of co-operation, it is very preten- provoke conflicts. So it is more than necessary tious to say that the BSR is a political or econom- to think about sharing both the past and the ic community. As was previously mentioned, present instead of splitting them up. the BSR does not have the characteristics which The territories that are not far away from could allow it to be recognized it as a united the border and which are nearest to the Black or uniform region. Furthermore, there are few Sea form a very special area, the so-called places in the world where the political elite and border coastal zone, which has often been a citizens know so little about their neighbours subject of controversy, battles and wars. as is the situation in the Black Sea area. This is intentional ignorance, which is a result of differ- In terms of the terminology of war it ent historical versions, saying that the national- means “no man’s land”, but in terms of the ity is eternal, the government is predetermined, terminology of peace it means “common but the region is transitional. The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

Most BS countries look more seriously on being closer to the countries which form the their relationship with others, e.g. with the European Union, because of the stability, EU than their relations within the BS area. Na- economic and social perspectives and higher tional airlines fly on a regular basis to the EU standards of living there. countries or other capitals, rather than to the capitals of other BS countries. Looking inside In the Black Sea area there are considera- the region itself and outside it reveals differ- ble opportunities and challenges that require ent sensitivity and dimensions. Unfortunately, coordinated activities on a regional level. They one of the few places where the community include key sectors such as energy, transpor- can be seen is on the beach. tation, environment, migration and security. It should be noted that there are two dimen- After the Changes of the 90s sions of the Black Sea Region - narrow and wide. The “Wider Black Sea Region” encom- The geopolitical situation in the Black Sea passes not only the littoral states but also area since 1989 has been shaped by dynamic Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Greece, processes and the heterogeneous nature of and this leads to an increase in the variety of the factors involved therein: national, regional initiatives for co-operation. and global. Specified otherwise, these factors can be summarized as internal and external to The enhanced regional co-operation does the BS area. not aim at direct interference in the long lasting conflicts in the region but instead it could At the beginning of the new Millennium provoke better mutual trust and, in the course it is not the power of the different states that of time, help with the elimination of some in- threatens the stability of the region but their convenient obstacles. weaknesses. New countries appeared in the Black Sea Region, new borders were formed External Factors and many problems were transferred through these borders. Some of the instability is the Therefore, it could be said that the new fac- result of several reasons: internal - in each tors that play a leading role in shaping the country, external - among the countries and region in this very complicated period - NATO global – between the BS countries as a whole and the EU, are increasingly important, es- and the rest of the world. pecially in view of Bulgaria’s and Romania’s memberships in both organizations. The ineffective management of the economy in the period of transformation, inad- The interest of Black Sea countries in equate services, poverty and loss of values, broader contact and collaboration with the which were the main pillars in earlier times EU are growing and have become obvious such as family, origin, genus etc. make the so- in recent years. The same trends are also ciety vulnerable and force the people to fight appearing in central Asian countries. The for their everyday life, sometimes at any cost. Energy and Transport sector brings about a natural spirit of rivalry, but also underpins All this has been influenced by the official a common interest in avoiding instability in internal governmental policy, which endeav- the Black Sea Region and overcoming the oured to combine democratic principles with existing threats to regional and internation- previously used methods and instruments. al security.

The external policies make the situation The Black Sea Region and the naturally particularly controversial because of tenden- adjacent Caspian basin lie on two continents, cies that appear in a purely regional aspect, having an aggregate population of circa 350 for example: tendencies to recover old bor- million people and boasting a foreign trade ders and at the same time the aspiration for potential of 220 billion EUR per annum. The The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

two regions form the second most important esses in this region, will be doomed to fail- source of energy resources after the Persian ure. Policies which do not take into account Gulf and are increasingly becoming a prior- the widest possible range of influences are ity transit corridor for energy to the EU. The liable to face the threat of being brought Black Sea is already becoming a region of ma- down because of circumstances that have jor economic co-operation. not been considered at an earlier stage, meaning adequate measures for reactions The asymmetry of economic and civil have not been planned. The acknowledge- society development observed in the coun- ment of interdependence is the first step tries of the region is a major impediment for towards undertaking effective actions for their efficient involvement in contemporary safeguarding the interests both of these integration processes, which the EU tries to countries and the EU through different ini- overcome by enhanced co-operation and tiatives and instruments. assistance provided to the regional states in applying the principles and practices of Since 2007, when Bulgaria and Romania good governance. became members of the EU, the Black Sea has been a border of the Union. Although The pace of the democratic processes and we understand that the region is more reforms in most of the countries of the region a bridge than a border, the border line is is generally increasing. The major source of real and physically exists and this causes all reforms in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Az- the consequences connected with that fact erbaijan and Armenia are namely their aspi- – certainly this border can be used by peo- rations towards European integration. The ple not living in a Black Sea country and for EU has recognized in principle the need to purposes that are far away from the good support Eastern Europe and South Caucasus neighbourhood, so it should be secured like countries through involving them in the EU any other external border. The only way in Neighbourhood policy. The effective use of its which people from the two sides of the bor- instruments would contribute to the promo- der could have contacts, could realize their tion of democracy and hence to the lasting interests and could use the common re- stabilisation of the region. sources despite all the limitations provoked In a geopolitical plan the Black Sea Re- by visas regimes is to be involved in some gion should be observed in close relation aspects of a common regional neighbour- with the adjoining areas of the Mediter- hood policy. In other words this means that ranean and the Caucasus Region. The so mutual co-operation is the key instrument called “frozen conflicts” in the region of to be used by governments and people in the Caucasus have great repercussions on order to ensure the interest of society. the stability in the Black Sea. The Caucasus, The puzzle of the Black Sea Region is com- not having being included in the considera- plex and difficult to arrange. Some more facts tions of the policies referred to in the Black should be noted, for clarification of the situ- Sea Region, is a potential threat to their ation and interests: the bilateral relations be- success. A good opportunity for binding tween the EU and Russia, the EU and Ukraine the two regions together as interdependent as well as the relations with other countries and the legitimating of the EU for promo- in the BS area. The candidate-membership tion and improvement of the situation of of Turkey in the EU is also a prerequisite for peace and stability with the participation of understanding the complex problems of the all the interested countries could be missed. Black Sea. These several facts make it clear If this is not taken into consideration, future why BS countries give preference to foreign actions, which eliminate one of the factors relations rather than intra-co-operation. for the development of part of the proc- The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

On the other hand, this gives reason to the body of the organization. The executive EU to develop initiatives to ensure its security body is the Council of Ministers for Foreign and that of its citizens, seeking a common Affairs of the GUAM states. The working policy towards the Black Sea Region, mindful body is the Committee of National Coor- that similar initiatives can accelerate changes dinators (CNC) consisting of one coordina- in interest of the Black Sea countries, but also tor from each GUAM member state. The in the interest of its 550 million citizens. Headquarters of GUAM were opened on February 26, 2009 in Kiev, Ukraine. There are eight working groups, for the following 3. Black Sea Organizations topics: power engineering; transport; trade and economics; information science and There are not many regional organiza- telecommunications; culture; science and tions and in fact even the few that there education; tourism; the struggle against are, make little difference as regards solv- terrorism, organized crime and dissemina- ing the problems that the region is facing. tion of drugs. Many of the organizations have been established and work as organizations of the Community of Democratic Choice civil society, although they are very large, The Community of Democratic Choice is an encompass many of the Black Sea coun- intergovernmental organization established tries and create the impression that they on December 2, 2005 by nine states of North- are governmental structures. The reason ern and Eastern Europe in Kiev. It was mainly for this is the fact that their members are signed by countries from the region between predominantly states. the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Caspian GUAM Sea (“The three Seas”). Its main task is to promote democracy, human rights and the rule The GUAM Organization for Democracy and of law in this region. Economic Development is a regional organization of four post-Soviet states: Georgia, The Community has no clear shape. The Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova. The char- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk, ter set objectives for co-operation, such as for example, said that the community is promoting democratic values, ensuring stable not a project against anybody, but rather a development, enhancing international and project in favour of democracy, stability and regional security and stepping up European prosperity. Likewise, President Viktor Yush- integration. GUAM is sometimes seen as a chenko said that the initiative was not direct- way of countering the Russian influence in ed against any third countries or institutions the area. However, GUAM leaders repeat- and that its purpose was not “to befriend edly and officially dismiss such claims and de- anyone against someone else”, but that it clare their strong willingness to develop close must rather be seen as “dialogue between friendly relations with Russia. Moreover, Az- friends, adherents of ideas for promoting de- erbaijan, the group’s main energy power, has mocracy and the supremacy of law”. managed to avoid any conflicts with Russia in On the other hand Georgi Arveladze, recent years. presidential administration head of Georgia, Members: Moldova, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, said that the community would in essence be Georgia: “an axis of democratic countries that do not Observers: Turkey, Latvia wish to remain in Russia’s orbit.”

An annual meeting is held with the In addition to the question of its charac- Presidents of GUAM member states in Yal- ter, its very membership of the community is ta, Ukraine. This is considered the supreme still not clear. The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

Nevertheless the President of Moldova, On 25 June 1992, the Heads of State and Gov- Vladimir Voronin, urged the Community to ernment of eleven countries signed in Istan- develop its own institutions, including its own bul the Summit Declaration and the Bosporus parliamentary assembly, saying that it offered Statement, giving birth to the Black Sea Eco- the possibility to integrate those countries nomic Co-operation (BSEC). It came into exist- that have chosen a European orientation. The ence as a model of multilateral political and Vilnius Conference has already given a hint as economic initiative, aimed at fostering interac- to what this means by including Forums for tion and harmony among the Member States, intellectuals, NGOs and youth. as well as ensuring peace, stability and prosperity, encouraging friendly and good-neigh- Black Sea Forum for Partnership bourly relations in the Black Sea Region. and Dialogue - BSF The BSEC Headquarters - the Permanent The inaugural session of the Black Sea Fo- International Secretariat of the Organiza- rum for Partnership and Dialogue (BSF) tion of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation was held on June 4–6, 2006 in Bucharest. (BSEC PERMIS) - was established in March The Forum is a Romanian initiative, initial- 1994 in Istanbul. ly meant to hold annual presidential level summits (the venues rotating among par- With the entry into force of its Charter on ticipant countries) and thematic or sectoral 1 May 1999, BSEC acquired an internation- co-operation meetings during those an- al legal identity and was transformed into a nual intervals. The Forum is not meant to full-fledged regional economic organization: create new regional institutions, but rather Organization of the Black Sea Economic Co- to turn into a regular consultative process operation - BSEC. among countries of the extended Black Sea Region (defined as including the South Although BSEC has its Secretariat, each Caucasus to the Caspian Sea) and between Presidency has its own priorities and plans in this group of countries and international different areas of activity and, although the organizations such as the European Union. government leaders participate in many meet- After the inaugural summit, no other sum- ings, there is no noticeable progress. mits were planned. It is not so difficult to find the reasons. Now that Romania and Bulgaria have joined Three big countries are part of this Organi- the EU, the Forum may become an EU initiative zation, but no one is motivated enough to for co-operation with the Black and Caspian Sea finance programs and projects for joint reali- states similar to the Northern Dimension initiative zation. Today the drivers of the development for the Nordic countries and Baltic Sea states. of the Black Sea Region are primarily the EU and NATO. Members: Moldova, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Romania. None of the politicians in the BSR thinks Observers: Bulgaria, Turkey that the BSEC could replace membership in the EU or NATO, although they have been very active in the preparation of the BSEC programs Black Sea Economic Co-operation - BSEC and events and regardless of the substantial power of resources of the BSR itself. The situation in the 90s after the changes provoked the establishment of BSEC, as an The Black Sea economic co-operation answer to the new geopolitical interests of (BSEC) has the potential to become an ad- some countries, but it was not so strong as to ditional factor for utilizing the appreciable change the direction towards a real policy of potential of national markets in the region. internal regional co-operation. It also has a capacity for co-operation among The Black Sea Region in EU Policies member states in areas such as combat against successful multilateral economic, political and cross-border organised crime, illegal traffick- cultural co-operation in the region. ing of people and terrorism as well as joint action in response to emergencies caused by Regarding the legislation on which basis dif- natural disasters or industrial accidents. ferent policies in the Black Sea Region could be developed, we should mention the Bu- Being EU Member-States, Bulgaria, charest Convention. It determines the main Greece and Romania have an important role principles and priority zones which have to to play in the implementation of the Black be observed by all the countries and their Sea Synergy and the establishment of an ef- partners. The next very important step was ficient and pragmatic partnership between the establishment of the Black Sea Commis- the EU and BSEC. sion / Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution/. This commission Members: Republic of Albania; Republic of is an organization which deals practically Armenia; Republic of Azerbaijan; Republic of with the implementation of the policies for Bulgaria; Georgia; Hellenic Republic; Republic protecting and preserving the Black Sea and of Moldova; Romania; Russian Federation; Re- the coastal zone. public of Serbia; Republic of Turkey; Ukraine.

Observers: Arab Republic of Egypt; Re- public of Austria; Republic of Belarus; Re- 4. EU and Black Sea Co-operation public of Croatia; Czech Republic; French st Republic; Federal Republic of Germany; Today, in the second decade of the 21 cen- State of Israel; Republic of Italy; Republic of tury, the situation in the region has changed, Poland; Slovak Republic; Republic of Tuni- because of the many problems it is facing sia; United States of America; International – economic, environmental, social etc. and Black Sea Club; Energy Charter Secretariat; the necessity of meeting them together. Black Sea Commission; Commission of the These problems could be overcome in dif- European Union. ferent ways: the first one could be fulfilled through independent policy, realized singly Parliamentary Assembly of BSEC – PABSEC by strong countries, with powerful and capa- ble governments. The second way provokes Established on 26th February 1993 as a par- new behavioural elements, which require a liamentary dimension of the Black Sea Eco- common position of the BS countries with nomic Co-operation, the PABSEC has proved the rest of the world. to be an effective forum for inter-parliamentary dialogue in the Black Sea Region. With There are different controversial theses a membership of 76 parliamentarians repre- for the future of the BSR in its position as senting the national parliaments of the twelve a border of the EU and NATO. This is why BSEC Member States, the PABSEC facilitates it is necessary to analyze the situation not the mobilization of efforts by the national only from the positions of the foreign policy. parliaments aimed at promoting democratic The sea still brings us together. Many peo- values, the rule of law, pluralistic society and ple from different Black Sea countries travel market economy. and make trade, representatives from different ethnic groups communicate with each The main objective of the PABSEC is to provide other, despite the propagation of hatred in assistance to the national parliaments in enact- the past. But the region needs more than ing the laws that are necessary for the imple- trade purely for financial reasons, exchange mentation of the projects elaborated within of workers for infrastructural projects, legal the framework of the Organization of the BSEC or illegal migration and traffic with different and to establish the legislative foundation for reasons and for different purposes. 10 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

The BSR needs more than this. We have liamentary level is an expression of real po- to think about this – as politicians and as litical will. citizens, because the region is facing another threat - emigration from the coastal zones to Both structures, the Organization for the internal parts of the countries. Black Sea’s Economic Co-operation and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Eco- What kind of co-operation can the BS nomic Co-operation could be determined as a countries organize? – It is not difficult to write formula for the new geopolitical reality. on the topic, because it is referred to in many documents and has been repeated at many Therefore we can say that the steps of cre- regional meetings. But this should be ob- ating new relations with the EU and also the served as formalism. The core of this very im- membership in the EU were not late. This led portant issue is the political will on one hand to a redesigning of the real map of the region and the civil society’s activity on another. We as a whole. have to recognize the people of the Black Sea There is great diversity in both directions. as participants in the co-operation and pre- Firstly, it should be noted that in both initia- pare the co-operation strategy in such a way tives the striving to respect the principles of that the people will not see the territory only democracy, solidarity and protection of hu- as a bridge. man rights has been seriously advocated. Sec- It is necessary to find a balance between ondly it should be noted that the participants two possibilities – to look inside and to look in both initiatives were the same – the EU as outside the region. This could be defined as a whole and the Black Sea countries as single “initiatives for internal co-operation” and players. Thirdly, it should be added that there “initiatives for common policies”. The former are many opportunities for bilateral, trilateral is only in the hands of the BS countries and and other formats of relationships between their governments and has very practical di- participants. mensions. The latter should involve outside It is more than obvious that the responsi- partners – the EU and NATO - and the real bility of today’s politicians from the Black Sea question here is who leads the process. In any countries is very high, because they should case, human rights, democracy, solidarity and join the two initiatives – for internal co-opera- tolerance are among the fundamental prin- tion and for common policies. Whether these ciples which should be implemented in both are two separate ways or a single highway is the initiatives. the question today.

The present is different from the past. Fac- It is crucial for the development of the ing new challenges, not desiring to expand Black Sea Region to find the intersections be- internal conflicts or to provoke international tween these two paths. Only this can provide wars, the Black Sea countries and their close a guarantee for European development of the neighbours laid the beginning of the Program region and the establishment of the Black Sea for regional co-operation in the 90s. The first Euro Region format. step, as has already been mentioned, was the adoption of a broad common program When talking about interaction space we with initiatives in the political and ecological should not forget that two of the EU coun- spheres, investments, crime and corruption, tries are at the same time Black Sea countries, education and science, taxes etc. and this can be adopted as a natural area of responsibility for supporting and realizing the The establishment of the Parliamentary idea of the Black Sea Region’s European de- Assembly of Black Sea Economic Co-opera- velopment. tion strengthened the opportunities and this strengthening of the interaction at the par- The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 11

5. Black Sea Synergy 2007 by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, caused by the fact that the Black Sea was an There is no doubt that the Black Sea Synergy Eastern boarder of the EU. Areas of interac- is a fundamental document which inherited tion of mutual interest include the environ- the successive endeavours of the EU in the ment, security, transport, energy and trans- face of its institutions to achieve peace, to fer, education, as well as science and culture. guarantee human rights and fundamental It is essential that the Synergy also involves freedoms and to accelerate the democratic the perspective given in the appropriate time processes in the BSR. to develop an independent strategy for the In May 2007 - 15 years after European es- development of the Black Sea Region. tablishment of the Organization for Black Sea Many events, organized on a different lev- Economic co-operation - the Council adopted el, by different structures showed the great conclusions on the Commission Communi- interest, the high expectations and at the cation “Black Sea Synergy – a New Regional same time the great fear that something new Co-operation Initiative”. It invited the future and unknown was happening, the necessity Presidencies and the European Commission to manage the new processes in a way which to continue work on an enhanced and co- could ensure the stability and peace for the herent EU engagement in and with the Black people in the BS countries, some of which are Sea Region. The Black Sea Synergy Initiative part of the EU. is complementary to the European Neigh- bourhood Policy, the enlargement policy for The Black Sea Synergy fully covers the Turkey and the Strategic Partnership with the content of the initiatives for common poli- Russian Federation. cies. The new steps of initiatives for common policies open a new page in the regional EU The region is crucial to Europe principally policy, making it stronger and more competi- because of its location at the juncture of Eu- tive in a global aspect. rope, Central Asia, and the Middle East and the transit of oil and gas. Challenges facing Democracy, respect for human rights and the region include serious environmental good governance problems, legal and illicit movements of people and goods as well as insufficient border In the Black Sea Synergy it was stressed patrol problems. The poor levels of economic that the efforts of the EU in this regard are and political governance in the region, as well principally bilateral. It was evaluated that as the slow pace of reforms in many of the lit- regional actions can play a substantial role toral countries, are both a cause and an effect in underpinning and invigorating national of this predicament. measures. Therefore, it concludes that the EU initiative will support regional initiatives The importance of the Black Sea Region in developing effective democratic institu- for the EU has been demonstrated with the actions, promoting good governance and rule ceptance of the EC as an observer in the PAB- of law through sharing experience on meas- SEC during the celebratory meeting devoted to ures to promote and uphold human rights the 15th anniversary of the Organization. and democracy, providing training and exchange programs and stimulating a regional The European Union reached the adop- dialogue with civil society. tion of the Black Sea Synergy after empha- sizing the problems of the Black Sea Region In the period between 1995 and 2007 the in a number of EU documents and EP resolu- EU started a series of initiatives in some coun- tions concerning the EU’s relations with the tries of the BSR, namely Bulgaria, Romania, countries in the region and after the declared Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The priority for the Black Sea at the beginning of problems and the difficulties, which accom- 12 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

panied the initial efforts after the changes well. Bulgaria supports the view that the in- at the beginning of the 90s, were assessed ternational community needs to be able to and some new ideas and opportunities were respond to serious and systematic violations discussed before the accession of the Black of human rights and take measures to pre- Sea Synergy. Bulgaria and Romania became vent their escalation. As an EU member state members in 2009. Some negotiations with Bulgaria acclaimed the Human Rights Charter different countries in the region were pre- and put its efforts into the realization of the pared, discussed and accepted. The support Charter’s principles, implementing them to all has been given to some European NGOs in the bilateral contracts on the Black Sea level. order to help in the development of structures In this context, Bulgaria supports the found- of civil society in these countries. ing of a Standing Human Rights Council as an auxiliary body to the UN General Assembly. Unfortunately, the process involved very few local NGOs and the impression was of an exter- Movement and security nally inspired process, not taking into account the nationally recognized needs. Many reasons Unconditionally, the challenges that the re- for that were found and have been taken into gion is facing mean that the regional stabil- account for the next steps in the relations. ity must be a top priority of the initiatives for policies. The first of a series of Black Sea Synergy civil society seminars on human rights issues Following the general principles of the Eu- took place in May 2008 in the Republic of ropean Neighbourhood policy the initiatives Moldova. This event presented standards on for policies must provide the most important freedom of expression in a civil society per- steps to ensure the stability and security of spective. Participants included government the region officials and members of civil society from This point as a focus of the Black Sea Syn- the Black Sea countries. Recommendations to ergy stresses the attention on the improvement governments concerning freedom of expres- of border management and customs co-opera- sion were adopted. tion at regional level as a tool for fighting or- The Synergy accession is a step forwards, ganized cross-border crime (human trafficking, although some specific problems have not arms and drugs) as well as preventing and man- been clarified. The synergy relies on the bilat- aging irregular migration. It is underlined that eral and regional approach but, without defi- important illegal migration routes run through nition of the concrete problems, purposeful the Black Sea Region, making regional co-op- actions cannot be undertaken. The regional eration on these issues particularly relevant. actors can identify the problems as they are Attention is also paid to the assumption that acting in the same environment where they intensified regional co-operation will enhance are generated but if the EU wants to partici- the performance of national law enforcement, pate with a clear vision and mission it has to in particular in the fight against corruption and identify itself the specific issues and the re- organized crime. Finally the paper says what sults it wants to achieve in solving them. On Black Sea regional actors can do in order to this basis it can develop its relations with the achieve good results. This means: developing regional actors with a clear vision instead of best practices; introducing common stand- vague ideas. ards for saving and exchanging information; establishing early warning systems relating to The protection of human rights and fun- trans-national crime and developing training damental freedoms and the observance of schemes. The countries in the region are en- the commonly accepted European standards couraged to develop further practical co-op- in this field is a major priority for the EU and eration on countering cross-border crime in for Bulgaria and Romania as its members as general, by channelling experience from other The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 13 similar initiatives in South-Eastern Europe and be encouraged by the EU in documents and the Baltic area. statements but there should be certain steps in building the fundaments of active, viable col- The Conclusions on the Global Approach laboration between the countries from the re- to Migration adopted by the European Coun- gion. The role of the EU as a mediator through cil in June 2007 endorsed a number of priority organization of different events, where rep- actions, including the establishment of a Co- resentatives of the countries from the region operation Platform on Migration in the Black will take part and where specific steps in fight- Sea Region. In April 2008 the EU decided ing the common issues will be discussed and to establish this platform, bringing together measures will be developed, is one step further Member States, EU agencies, countries bor- that can help significantly. Furthermore, as a dering the Black Sea and regional organiza- participant in these events, the EU will be able tions. The platform will aim to provide for a to play an active role in the formation of the focused and strengthened migration dialogue actions in protecting its own interests, not only and for improving practical co-operation be- through its member-states but directly. tween Member States and the countries in the region, as well as between those coun- The development of the network with the tries themselves. The proposal for a Co-op- existing coordination centre in Burgas should eration Platform in the field of Migration and be accelerated so that a more coherent and Development is meant to supplement the al- complete picture of the scope of the prob- ready existing dialogue between the EU and lems and the methods for their combating the Black Sea States, as well as between the can be made. states of the region themselves, and to add a regional dimension to the management of Employment and social affairs migration. It aims at becoming an important With regard to employment and social affairs, communication channel with the EU in the according to the Black Sea Synergy, the EU field of migration and development, bringing should support initiatives aimed at strength- the realities of the Black Sea Region to the ening social cohesion and fighting poverty attention of the European Union central in- and social exclusion through technical assist- stitutions. It also has the potential to facilitate ance schemes (exchange of information and the flow of information on possible financing sources for projects in the region. There are best practice; awareness-raising; training). advanced plans to fund the further develop- Activities at regional level have already start- ment of the Burgas Black Sea Coordination ed. They either address specific issues of the Centre. Each Black Sea country is expected Black Sea Region (such as a seminar on social to establish national centres that will feed/ dialogue that took place in 2008) or, in a larger exchange relevant information to/through context, thematic subjects (such as the seminar the Coordination Centre. The Commission is on gender equality in November 2007). The co-funding two projects against trafficking in same goals have been covered by the regional people through labour market based meas- conference for the implementation of the Life ures and police measures respectively. Long Learning program in 2008, for the Euro- Migration, both legal and illegal, is one pean Qualification Frame in 2008 etc. of the key challenges to the security, stability “Frozen” conflicts and economic development of the Black Sea Region. Despite the efforts of institutionalizing The Black Sea Synergy envisages coping with regional co-operation in migration policy, the the “frozen” conflicts through increased po- Black Sea countries continue to address such litical involvement of the EU in the ongoing issues in isolation from one another. The re- efforts to address the conflicts (Transnistria, gional co-operation in this field should not only Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Kara- 14 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

bakh) and finding ways of enhancing its par- rity; a region that offers significant potential for ticipation. It underlines that special attention energy supply diversification and therefore an must be paid to promoting confidence-build- important component of the EU’s external ener- ing measures in the regions affected, including gy strategy. Energy supply security diversification co-operation programs specifically designed to is in the interest of the European partners from bring the otherwise divided parties together. the region, as well as the EU itself.

Tackling the underlying issues of govern- The Commission will continue to enhance ance and lack of economic development, lack its relations with energy producers, transit of social cohesion, of security and of stability countries and consumers in a dialogue on en- is seen as one mean of addressing the overall ergy security that is expected to promote legal climate. and regulatory harmonization through the Baku Initiative and in the framework of the ENP and The EC Commission has continued to the EU-Russia Energy Dialogue. This will also advocate an active EU role in addressing the be pursued through the expansion, when ap- underlying causes of these conflicts in the propriate, of the Energy Community Treaty to Black Sea regional framework. Attention has Moldova, Turkey and Ukraine, also through the been paid to promoting confidence-building Memoranda of Understanding with Azerbaijan measures also in a wider regional context, and Ukraine, PCA (Partnership and Coopera- including co-operation programs specifically tion Agreements), and trade agreements, WTO designed to bring the otherwise divided par- (World Trade Organization) accession negotia- ties together. tions and, where appropriate, via other bilateral Ways of involving all the actors - those energy agreements. The objective is to provide who are directly involved in the conflicts and a clear, transparent and non-discriminatory those who have interests related to those framework, in line with the EU acquis, for en- conflicts - should be found. Bearing in mind ergy production, transport and transit. the important role of Russia in most of those The Black Sea Synergy paper underlines conflicts and as one of the greatest world that the EU is helping the countries of the re- powers with interests in the region, it should gion to develop a clearer focus on alternative also be involved in activities, encouraging the energy sources and on energy efficiency and dialogue and searching for lasting policies to- energy saving, which will release important wards resolution. The EU as an entity should energy resources. play an active role in the processes concerning these issues as a party that has its own The EU is working closely with regional interests and visions in the region. partners to enhance energy stability through the upgrading of the existing and the con- The Sofia Process - Frozen Conflicts Initia- struction of a new energy infrastructure. In tive is devoted to one of the most important this context, the Commission is developing, issues for the whole world. It aims to elaborate in co-operation with its partners, a new trans- a new international practice which would bal- Caspian trans-Black Sea energy corridor. This ance old traditions and new challenges in inter- corridor should include several technical op- national relations. The goal is to define ways to tions for additional gas exports from Central find a common approach for the international Asia through the Black Sea Region to the EU. institutions trying to solve frozen conflicts. In addition, given the growing quantities of Energy, environment, transport oil transiting the Black Sea, which have led to increasing safety and environmental con- The Black Sea Synergy identifies the Black Sea cerns, the EU has a specific interest in de- Region as a production and transmission area of veloping a sustainable and ecological oil di- strategic importance for EU energy supply secu- mension to its co-operation in the region. Al- The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 15 ready a number of Bosporus bypass projects Being a major transit corridor for the en- are under consideration. ergy resources of Central Asia and the Cas- pian basin, the Black Sea Region is becom- The EU therefore should encourage the ing increasingly important for the new Energy significant investments necessary to achieve policy of the European Union insofar as the the above objectives. strategic objectives of this policy relate to en- The Commission will examine the possibil- ergy supply security and diversification. ity of a legal framework between the EU and The issues of access to the energy resourc- the ENP region that covers the common inter- es of the Caspian region and Central Asia ests of security of supply, of transit and of de- and the transit of these resources through mand. A feasibility study will be launched to the Black Sea Region to the European mar- determine whether it is necessary to develop ket are matters of paramount importance such an overall legal framework covering pro- for the EU. In this context Bulgaria consid- ducer, transit and consumer countries. ers that it is of crucial importance to include The Black Sea Region has made good measures aimed at strengthening the part- progress in mobilising existing instruments and nerships between the key producers/suppli- resources. The Republic of Moldova, Turkey ers (Russia, the Caspian Region and Central and Ukraine have confirmed their intention Asia), major energy importers (the EU) and to engage in formal negotiations to join the transit countries such as Ukraine, Turkey and Energy Community Treaty, which provides for Southern Caucasus states. the implementation of the Community acquis The Black Sea Synergy underlines that in the electricity and gas sectors. Georgia was the Commission should continue to actively accepted as an observer in December 2007. support regional transport co-operation with Concerning energy infrastructure, the a view to improving the efficiency, safety Commission has sponsored a feasibility study and security of transport operations. The EU on a Trans-Caspian-Black Sea Gas Corridor would build on the experience of all the vari- which is examining all the transportation op- ous transport initiatives relevant to the Black tions (pipeline and non-pipeline). Sea area. With its recent Communication, the Commission has launched a debate on The January 2009 gas crisis once more un- how to enhance transport connections and derlined the extent of the EU’s dependency on streamline the various ongoing activities. Ef- external sources of energy and has delivered a forts should continue in the context of devel- clear message to European citizens and deci- oping the transport axes between the Union sion-makers: Europe needs a coherent and co- and the neighbouring countries as identified ordinated external policy for energy. Growing by the High Level Group. There is a need for global energy demand, highly volatile prices for close coordination with ongoing initiatives, oil and gas and increasing resource nationalism which should lead to a clear division of labour need a coherent European response and new or even a partial merger between existing initiatives. Energy security and climate security regular events and structures. The TRACECA have ceased to be abstract ideas. They are two Strategy until 2015 should continue to pro- sides of the same coin. vide an important basis for regional transport development. The EU needs a thorough energy policy developed and agreed upon by all its mem- Transport policy dialogue with a view to bers and neighbours, especially in the BSR. It regulatory approximation would remain a cen- is quite clear that, while bilateral contracts and tral goal. The Commission intends to assist negotiations are necessary, they cannot lead in identifying those actions that will help to to a consistent strategy for the whole EU. achieve uniform and consistent application of 16 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

relevant instruments and standards. Competi- A range of obstacles still stands in the path tiveness, the capacity to attract traffic flows, of optimum use of all existing infrastructure. improving safety, security, interoperability and The research agendas developed by the Euro- intermodality should be decisive factors in pean Technology Platforms point to the need drawing up plans for the future. Aviation safe- to take a new “transport systems” perspec- ty and extending the common aviation area tive that considers the interactions of vehicles are important objectives. Given the growing or vessels, transport networks or infrastruc- hydrocarbon transportation needs, maritime tures and the use of transport services, which safety would be high on the agenda. In partic- can only be developed at a European level. ular, the practices and procedures of the Paris and Black Sea Memoranda of Understanding Under the Seventh Framework Program on Port State Control should be harmonized at (FP7), the European Union is encouraging the highest level of performance. The Commis- the development of sustainable, innovative, sion proposes to fully exploit the advantages intermodal and interoperable regional and offered by short sea shipping and inland wa- national transport and logistics networks, in- terways, notably the Danube. frastructures and systems.

The Commission has started streamlining As research and development costs contin- the various transport co-operation efforts. ue to rise substantially in all fields, collaborative It has launched exploratory talks with the activity at EU level is essential to enable a “criti- countries of the region on extension of the cal mass” of researchers to address pressing trans-European transport networks. This in- multi-disciplinary challenges in a cost-effective volves the possibility of preparing the TRACE- way, especially the challenge of interoperabil- CA structures to serve as institutions for the ity and intermodal transport, with particular south-eastern axis. reference to water and rail transport.

Through a series of related projects the The transport sector offers favourable Commission has increased its focus on mari- opportunities for implementation of the EU time safety and security. Furthermore, it has neighbourhood and strategic partnership begun to implement the Motorways of the policies, for establishing an area of prosper- Sea concept in the Black Sea, closely linked to ity, stability and security at Europe’s frontiers. the TRACECA program. The strategic objectives of Bulgaria are to promote transport links between the Black Sea Work has started on extending the Com- countries, while at the same time improving mon Aviation Area to the Black Sea countries, safety and security levels in the transport sec- involving improvement of safety oversight and tor, including through measures suggested by strengthening of the civil aviation authorities. the Commission Communication “Extension of the major trans-European axes to neigh- The European Union is now making con- bouring countries – Guidelines for transport siderable efforts to encourage the integration in Europe and neighbouring regions” and of existing transport modes and the use of mitigating its adverse environmental impact. intermodal systems. The development of a seamless web of integrated transport chains, Development of Inter-modal Transporta- linking road, rail and waterways is a key ob- tion (IMT) is another strategic objective, which jective of the Common Transport Policy, as is developed with several projects: outlined in the Transport White Paper. Such integration would lead to improved flexibil- • Development of Rail-Sea-Rail-River IMT ity, quality, and cost effectiveness and would Link between the countries of the Black stimulate competition between transporters Sea Region and Europe. instead of between transport modes. • Motorways of the Sea The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 17

New joint initiatives in the Motorways of issues, turning the region into an environmen- the Sea context are placed on the table. tally safe one and reducing the levels of envi- Further developments of the Motorways ronmental risks. The preservation of the envi- of the Sea concept include an analysis of ronment is one of the fundaments of sustaina- the current status and measures for imple- ble development. The higher risk of ecological mentation of the concept, such as: crisis directly influences the life and health of the people, the economy and the security of • Enhance the role of the Short Sea Ship- the affected countries and, on some occasions, ping Promotion Centre; the stability of whole regions. Economic pros- • Develop Motorways of the Sea Program perity, good governance and the resolution of for the Black Sea, as well as a Coastal the “frozen” conflicts can all be undermined Shipping Program and a Black Sea Mo- in the case of environmental catastrophe that torways map. can destabilize the region for a long time.

A Memorandum on the coordinated de- As regards the protection of the environ- velopment of a Black Sea Motorway Ring ment, as written in the Black Sea Synergy, mem- was signed. The main idea underlying the ber states will be encouraged to work within Black Sea Motorway Ring is to link all mem- the framework of regional sea conventions. The ber countries of the Organisation of Black Sea implementation of multilateral agreements and Economic Co-operation (BSEC). broader strategic co-operation are also essential, as is regional activity to combat climate change. Recent years have seen a steady increase in ship traffic in the Black Sea Region. When it The Commission is examining the con- comes to safety levels, the quality of maritime ditions for European Community accession navigation can only be increased with the co- to the Convention to protect the Black Sea ordinated efforts of all coastal states. A project against pollution. It has supported studies on on increasing the safety of commercial naviga- the legal changes that would allow for acces- tion could be helpful in sharing experience and sion. Full membership of the Bucharest Con- increasing the standards of inspections applied vention is particularly relevant in view of the by the Port State Control authority. The VTOPIS recently adopted Marine Strategy Framework project, which has been adopted by some port Directive. The latter relies largely on regional administrations, could be a perfect instrument co-operation, including the framework of re- for improving ship traffic and for ensuring safety gional sea conventions. in the region. The readiness for the implemen- Work has begun on exploring the feasibil- tation of the system by other administrations ity of replicating the approach of the DAB- is a good sign of co-operation. The establish- LAS Task Force for other environment sectors, ment and operation of a Regional Monitoring waste being the most promising area. Further- and Information Support Centre for Black Sea more, the Commission has launched a project Navigation in the framework of such a kind of to continue and intensify the work of the Task project could show the reality of the trend ideas Force. As a result, the DABLAS Secretariat will for policies and its ability to protect the interests provide services for the full DABLAS region, of citizens of the Black Sea Region. as well as direct investment support to river A study is being undertaken to identify basin management related projects. the main causes and consequences of acci- The Commission is making efforts to focus dents with sports/leisure vessels, as well as to on enhancing the capacity of countries from propose measures to avoid such accidents. the Black Sea Region to implement the Kyoto Attention should be paid to the safety of Protocol and to participate in international the Black Sea Region in terms of environmental negotiations on a post-2012 agreement. 18 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

In 2008 the EU supported an initiative count for regional development programs to establish an informational monitoring throughout the area. system for the protection of the Black Sea and the Black Sea coastal zone by reducing The involvement of regional organizations oil pollution. “Environmental monitoring should guarantee an appropriate level of regional of the Black Sea Basin: Monitoring and In- co-operation, following the example of the Or- formation Systems for Reducing Oil Pollu- ganization for Black Sea Economic Co-operation tion” is the pilot project, financed directly (BSEC), to which all the countries in the region by the EU through the Black Sea Commis- belong. Civil society organizations, under the ae- sion in Istanbul. gis of the Black Sea Forum, could also provide a fertile medium for co-operation initiatives. Therefore, the proposed project should enable the coastal states to better prevent It is important to mention that the Black and respond to operational/accidental/illegal Sea Synergy does not propose the creation of oil pollution. Within this long term policy ap- new structures or institutions and relies on the proach, and in support of decision making Black Sea states and the interaction between towards reduction/elimination of oil pollution them, whether based on bilateral relations or in the Black Sea, the project will pursue the discussions at a regional level. following objectives: an improved informa- The EU – BSEC relation is seen as a link, tion system for combating oil pollution; an primarily ensuring dialogue at the national enhanced monitoring system of operational level. In June 2007 the Commission obtained and accidental pollution; enhanced response observer status in the PABSEC. capabilities, including risk management and planning for emergencies. The strengthening of the European Neigh- bourhood Policy, including the building of a Discussions are under way with EU part- thematic dimension to the ENP and the grad- ners about region-wide efforts to address cli- ual development of deep and comprehensive mate change. Free Trade Agreements, would enrich Black Very rigorous monitoring and control in Sea co-operation. Regional contacts should this field is needed, bearing in mind the seri- be facilitated by the removal of obstacles to ousness of the matter. The EU should play the legitimate travel and the promotion of univer- important role of guarantor for the water pres- sity exchanges through the Erasmus Mundus ervation of the Black Sea as well as its fauna and Tempus programmes. The Neighbour- and flora. Negotiations for the implementation hood Investment Facility for countries with of high standards should take place. ENP Action Plans will help finance infrastructure investments, particularly in the fields of The EU should have a consistent and pro- energy, transport and the environment. found strategy that takes into account the whole situation in the region concerning the The position of the European Union is that environment - bilateral relations, multilateral enhancing of regional co-operation is not di- agreements, different regional initiatives etc. rected towards dealing with long-lasting con- Results can be achieved with a view of the flicts in the region, but will facilitate in generat- entire picture and not by observing its con- ing more mutual confidence, which will constituent parts. tribute to the removal of existing obstacles.

Other aspects of the Black Sea Synergy August events in Georgia and the January 2009 gas crisis in Russian – Ukrainian relations The lessons learned in the implementation demonstrated that the European Union was not of the EU’s regional policy programs for Bul- ready to face those threats that are in the region. garia and Romania could be turned to ac- De facto the Black Sea Synergy does not identify The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 19 any threats and risks to further development. It socio-economic life as well as the common just suggests spheres for co-operation based on goals in the international aspect. the past experience of interaction with the separate states or groups of states. This ignoring Co-operation in the frame within most of of risks leads to the inability to understand why the region can follow the policies of the sec- such co-operation projects are hindered. Black tors. It is very important to mention that rela- Sea Synergy is in the process of working, but tions today between BS countries and their there is no Business Proposal for the region. For co-operation follow also the traditions which successful realization of any project you should have been created during the long historical identify how much are you ready to invest in periods, despite many changes and reverses. it, how long it will take, whom you need for The co-operation has passed through differ- its realization, but also what risks are involved ent formats and models, it has had different and what should be done for their minimiza- successes, but has always existed and a sub- tion. The EU has already decided with whom to stantial part of it has been realized by and co-operate and how much to invest but has not through the sea. considered risks and actions for minimization. In the context of the co-operation be- Tackling most of the problems that the Black tween the countries from the Black Sea Re- Sea Region faces today is in the hands of the gion we should regard the Black Sea Region central governments. Nevertheless, the lobby- in its entirety or, in other words, the “Wider ing of such initiatives as well as the further real Black Sea Region”. Exactly this wider and sys- implementation to minimize risks and oppose tematic approach towards all security compo- threats to the future development of the Black nents can provide for adequate assessments Sea area are in the hands of the local authorities and effective measures. This approach will of the respected states. Moreover, such risks as help in identifying the security challenges that environmental, illegal migration, cross-border can be tackled effectively by the international organized crime, and safety of navigation, secu- and multilateral organizations or/and individ- rity of pipelines as well as security and safety of ual states with the necessary experience and the transport infrastructure can be minimized or expertise. The interests of the countries from even resolved on the regional level, using local the Wider Black Sea Region and the possibil- facilities and existing financial instruments. ity of influence over the processes should be taken into account as well as ways of their involvement in different regional initiatives 6. Black Sea Co-operation – Problems and dialogue should be sought, so that they and Prospects can feel that they are a part of the region and active participants in the regional processes, Initiatives for internal co-operation have great which will give them the opportunity to open- significance for the Black Sea countries them- ly state their interests. If they are left outside selves, giving them a common starting point those processes, this may provoke mistrust for equal rights in their relations with the out- and a lack of openness and prediction, which side world. can create obstacles for achieving progress in It is extremely difficult to make a dividing the Black Sea Region in different fields. line between the two initiatives (the initiatives It is necessary to consider more pro- for internal cooperation and the initiatives for foundly the bilateral and multilateral rela- common policies), although each one is sub- tions, which seek different levels and forms ject to different priorities. of co-operation – such as meetings, discus- That is why it is very important to say that sions, scientific arguments, conferences etc. both initiatives have to work together for the Special attention should be paid to those bi- implementation of the goals in all sectors of lateral relations that include member-states 20 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

of the EU – i.e. Bulgaria and Rumania. The be a “player” in the field of “greening of the EU is one of the parties in the formation of synergy”. In other words, the region will con- the policies and the protection of the inter- tinue to be a subject of plain discussions, ex- ests in the Black Sea Region. The rest of the planations and interpretations. It is necessary countries (excluding Bulgaria and Romania) for each country, on the principle of the inclu- will follow their common interests and the sive approach, to determine its contribution EU cannot directly influence their decisions to the BS environment. when they do not correspond to their inter- Together, the countries harbour a rich ests. Bulgaria and Romania as member-states natural heritage, natural areas and landscapes are bound by its common policy and its vision which are hugely important to protect on in the region and as separate entities they their own account, and which are the key for can protect these interests in the region. This economic and social development. The hard is why the bilateral relations between these shipping in the BS basin requires the develop- two countries and the others from the re- ment of a policy for emergency and disaster gion can prove to be very important for the control on the Black Sea territory, including possibility of the EU to realize its goals and the co-operation of financial and human re- policies in the most efficient way. sources as well as scientific potential.

One of the major issues in the co-opera- The mountains, forests, lakes, coastlines and tion models which could be created between river floodplains of the region are still relatively the BS countries is coordination. Numerous intact and provide critical environmental services meetings, discussions, conferences, round for local populations and national economies. tables etc. have been organized under the This could lead to “greening” of the national moderating role of different organizations industries and regional economic relations. and institutions. Many projects, focused on different parts of the BSR, followed them. The natural wealth of the region is indeed under severe pressure today. Marine resourc- Co-operation in the environmental area is es in the Black Sea have declined due to over- one of the main topics in the BS basin. Envi- fishing, pollution, unplanned development ronmental impacts know no borders, so the of coastal zones and intense maritime traffic, supporting points should be viewed as a basis while unique terrestrial ecosystems, such as of each national policy in the region. But their those in the Caucasus Region, the Danube evaluation, as well as the activities related to Delta and the East Carpathians are under them have been carried out on a different level, threat. Land for growing food; forests for pa- with different priorities and at different speeds per, pulp and construction; water for grow- - here, we have to bear in mind the different ing crops; rivers for navigation and coastal status of the countries and the strong political resources for commercial fishing and tourism; processes of establishment of their new status continued demands for oil and gas extraction after the radical changes of the early 90s. are just some of the resources under stress. In addition to this comes the daunting spectre In the complex labyrinth of bilateral and of climate change impacts which will affect multilateral relations, the countries from the the availability of natural resources in unpre- region must draw a clear policy line and main dictable ways. principles, which they must maintain further in their national and international agree- Greening of the Black Sea co-operation as ments. If this does not become reality, the well as greening of the Black Sea Synergy is of Black Sea Region will continue to be exploited key importance in preserving the region. as a transfer zone of raw materials or a trans- In this sense the Black Sea Commission and port corridor with no added value, including the Black Sea Environment Program pursue a political one, and without any capacity to the following objectives: The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 21

• Applying new co-operation platforms in • Technical assistance to local river basin order to highlight regional perspectives, management authorities (with jurisdic- establishing better regional priorities and tion in the Black Sea basin), for the Black increasing the reliability of countries at a Sea Region around Varna (Basin Directo- regional level; rate for Water Management in the Black Sea Region) to fulfil the requirements of • Introducing the water management prin- the Community legislation and interna- ciples introduced in the Water Framework tional conventions with respect to the Directive of the EU; monitoring and management of coastal • Further strengthening the capacity of waters; stakeholders in the decision-making proc- • Providing assistance to local river basin ess – national authorities and institutions, management authorities in the Black Sea scientific and business communities, Region to prepare a National Strategic Ac- NGOs, the Black Sea Commission and its tion Plan for avoiding Black Sea pollution, Secretariat; complementary to the Black Sea Basin Management Plan; • Obtaining better understanding of the Black Sea status and tendencies – intro- • Technical assistance for exploration of the ducing a harmonized and effective Black impact zone between surface and ground Sea Monitoring System; waters in fulfilment of the Water Frame- work Directive (WFD) requirements for the • Implementing policy actions, including Black Sea basin – jointly with Romania; amendments to national laws as appropriate, addition of a new Protocol to the Con- • Providing assistance to local river basin vention or drafting of other international management authorities in the Black Sea instruments; Region to prepare Pilot River Basin Man- agement Plans; • Introduction and dissemination of the basin approach with special emphasis on the • Applying biological and hydro-morpho- transposition in coastal countries of rel- logical monitoring on coastal sea waters evant EC Directives dealing with environ- in fulfilment of WFD requirements – jointly ment management practices; with Romania;

• Improving coordination mechanisms with • Evaluating contamination with trace ele- traditional partners of the Black Sea Com- ments in coastal aquatic territories, using mission and the Black Sea Environment screening methods in accordance with Program; WFD requirements. Determining natural and background concentrations – jointly • Creating a better environment for the with Romania; implementation of various investment projects, including strategic partnerships • Evaluating the self-treatment capability with donors and international financial in- of rivers in the Black Sea basin – jointly stitutions as well as ensuring appropriate with Romania and other Black Sea basin countries; use of various financial instruments. • Mitigating saline intrusion on the Black The following list describes possible water Sea coast – jointly with Romania, Turkey management and protection projects, in- or Georgia; cluding proposals for joint management between Black Sea countries and EU Mem- • Sharing experiences with local authorities ber-States responsible for managing the Black Sea 22 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

basin in the area of risk management and Co-operation in maritime policy and fisheries crisis prevention in a specific river basin – jointly with Russia and/or Ukraine. The Black Sea Synergy states that the EU’s emerging maritime policy should embrace all One major step forward in the co-opera- the countries in the region, and focus on de- tion between the Black Sea countries is their veloping a cross- sectoral maritime co-operation participation in the Black Sea Basin Joint Op- network as well as on improving co-operation erational Program 2007-2013. The Program and integration on the surveillance of the sea. itself is also confirmation of the integral ap- As regards fisheries, the management of fishery proach in the implementation of two initia- resources should be strengthened to promote tives – for internal co-operation and for com- sustainable and responsible use of stocks. mon policies. The main objectives of the program cover the most important areas in seek- In the framework of the adopted Inte- ing new solutions on a regional level: grated Maritime Policy for the European Union the Commission is promoting better co-opera- - Supporting cross border partnerships for tion between national authorities responsible economic and social development based for offshore government activities, including on common resources; in the Western Black Sea Region, through the creation of an integrated network of maritime - Sharing resources and competencies for en- surveillance systems. In this context, it will also vironmental protection and conservation; look at the possibility of extending such a net- - Supporting cultural and educational network to other non-EU Black Sea littoral states. works for the establishment of a common The Black Sea countries have already es- cultural environment in the Basin; tablished Exclusive Economic Zones and are - The program has already provoked and currently preparing to develop a regional will surely continue to organize new part- Strategy for Integrated Coastal Zone Man- nerships, which subscribe to the idea of agement. In 2008 the Commission adopted “common borders, common solutions” a Road Map in order to facilitate the development of maritime spatial planning. Member With respect to the Black Sea environ- States in the Black Sea Region are encouraged ment there should be co-operation between to start their own reflection on maritime spa- the BS countries in accordance with the Stra- tial planning and learn from the experience of tegic goals and recommendations for the EU other Member States. maritime transport policy until 2018. It is well The Commission is in the process of estab- known that maritime transport is a relatively lishing a European Marine Observation and environmentally sound mode of transport, Data Network for all sea basins, including the which nonetheless has much potential to be- Black Sea. come even cleaner than it already is. It must be involved, through a gradual reduction in EU fishery management measures have been established in the Council Regulation the carbon footprint of vessels and port in- fixing the fishing opportunities and the con- frastructures, in the efforts to combat cli- ditions relating to certain fish stocks appli- mate change, so co-operation in this respect cable in the Black Sea for the relevant year. is more than necessary. In this sense the BS These measures refer only to Bulgaria and countries will be very important participants Romania while fishery management and a within the framework of a ‘single European correct ecosystem approach need to involve sea’ and, consequently in the development of all countries around the Black Sea. There- a European maritime transport policy as part fore the Commission has started working of a common maritime area. on options for establishing regional fishery The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 23 management co-operation. The results of The Chair of European Parliament’s Fisher- this analysis and the concrete proposals will ies Committee Carmen Fraga Estévez warned be consulted by the Member States and the against relying too heavily on imports and Black Sea coastal states. losing our own European fishing fleet. “If we depend more on imports, supply wouldn’t be Concerns about foreign fish being sold guaranteed, nor low prices” said the Spanish in Europe and what to do about the future MEP from the European People’s Party. of Europe’s fishery industry were aired in a hearing held by the Fisheries Committee on A key issue facing any reform is what is to 8 April 2010. Overfishing, plunging stocks be done to reduce the amount of “by-catch” and falling prices have created a perfect - namely fish caught and then thrown back storm battering the fishery industry. Many of into the sea. their representatives were in Brussels to set out their stall to MEPs. Swedish Green MEP Isabella Lövin was sceptical about what could be done about According to figures from the Commission, minimum prices. She said that in Sweden 30% of the fish stocks are outside what they alone 5,000 tons of cod were discarded be- term “safe biological limits”. In layman’s terms tween 1995 and 1996. “European fishermen this means that they are not able to produce shouldn’t be fishing for the waste dump, but enough to replenish the fish caught. Particularly for the consumers” she said. hard hit is North Sea cod, of which over 9 out of 10 fish are caught before they can breed. Trade

Criticism is being levied at the current EU In the trade sector, as written in the Black trade policy that it promotes the complete Sea Synergy, the closer economic co-opera- elimination of tariff protection products, sec- tion needed to encourage trade liberalization tor fisheries and aquaculture, which could be should be based on preferential trade rela- a disaster for European fisheries as it would tions, WTO accession, agreements with Rus- be in direct competition with third countries. sia and Ukraine, and the implementation of ENP action plans to promote harmonization The most heavily regulated fishing fleet in of laws and regulations. The EU has contin- the world has to adhere to minimum prices ued to encourage Black Sea regional trade set by the EU while “often inferior products” liberalization, supporting in particular the ef- are allowed into the EU at very low prices. forts of partner countries to join the WTO. The average price of fish has gone down 18% since 2005 Research, Science and Technologies

Fish producers also said they wanted clearer Co-operation in the context of research and labelling and transparency to be able to com- education networks is another aspect of co- pete with whitefish substitutes and farmed fish operation. It aims at developing on-line serv- from third countries and to balance supply and ices and e-commerce, the interconnection of demand in the EU’s fish market. all countries in the area to the pan-European research backbone GEANT and providing Producers want to keep “withdrawal high-speed connectivity. The BS countries use prices” - a minimum price guarantee to keep different financial instruments, including EU market prices up. If they still cannot find a educational or scientific programs. The Tem- buyer at the minimum price set by the EU, the pus program is another instrument for co-op- fish will be withdrawn from the market. eration in the field of higher education.

Many of the 2002 reforms concentrated In the field of science and technology, the on the subsidized scrapping of vessels to re- EC intends to promote capacity-building and duce fishing capacity. S&T policy dialogue with the Black Sea coun- 24 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

tries, through the 7th Research Framework researchers and students to collaborate with Program and other relevant instruments. their European peers in 40 countries, by sharing large amounts of data over the network. The BS countries use mainly the bilateral contracts and agreements for educational The Commission also supports regional co-operation. Furthermore many concrete scientific co-operation, i.e. through the IN- agreements between universities and other CONet EECA project, which started in Janu- educational structures have been signed or ary 2008. continued in the period of transformations. The Black Sea University Network has been Co-operation in the field of education, established and its activity is devoted to the science, research and innovations, based on strengthening of education and scientific col- existing relations between the countries from laboration. The topics of the 10th Congress of the region is needed. BSUN-Universities and Community included What is necessary is collaboration between “Co-operation between and Development the EU and the countries from the Black Sea of Universities in the 21st Century” and Region for the creation of policies focused on the forthcoming conference in Sevastopol, education, research and science, infrastruc- Ukraine answer to the priorities of the EU and ture, cultural diversity and tolerance, security the new strategy EU 2020. This shows also and post- conflict rehabilitation. the ambitions to increase the capacity and competitiveness of higher education and real- With the purpose of encouraging research ize co-operation on all possible levels. Under- and innovations, the Parliamentary Budget standing the importance and significance of and Finance Commission adopted the Nation- the role of higher education in the region is al Strategy for the Development of Scientific reflected in national support of the BS coun- Research 2009-2018. The document envisions tries for all these events. the gradual increase of public expenditure for scientific research and innovations until The Commission has been supporting they reach the average level for the EU. The institutional co-operation and structural re- Strategy envisions the state securing financial forms in higher education via the Tempus support for new companies which adopt high program. Black Sea regional co-operation in technological scientific products. The state will higher education will benefit from the new use different tools for risk financing – venture phase of the program that will give priority funds, guaranty funds, etc. to multi-country projects. Higher education co-operation and academic mobility contin- Tourism ues to be fostered via the Erasmus Mundus Tourism is one of the main sources of income programme. for the population from the coastal zones. Every The Commission increased the internet year in the state budget hundreds of millions of capacity available across the Black Sea to re- Euro are received from the profits of the Black searchers in Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Az- Sea resorts. For this reason this branch should erbaijan and Georgia) by switching on the re- be developed - so that it can offer a constantly gion’s largest computer network for research improving product to its clients, who, in most of and education. The EU-funded regional re- the cases, are citizens of the EU. The successful search and education network Black Sea In- development of tourism is directly related to sta- terconnection (BSI) links the Southern Cauca- bility in the region and the ecological situation. sus countries and connects them to the high Successful policy in this field will be a warrant bandwidth, world-leading, pan-European for further development of tourism. GÉANT network that already serves 30 million Tourism should be recognized by the EU researchers. This new connection will enable as a field of interest, the problems should be The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 25 identified and specific steps developed so that has similar origins. In some historical periods satisfactory results can be achieved. Tourism of the development, this area had a common is also important because it directly connects ideology. people from different countries and cultures and lets them interact without the mediation In order to avoid any tension in this of any institution. It is one of the ways for im- sphere today it is necessary for the inter- proving relations between countries and over- cultural dialogue to be enhanced. It is in- coming prejudices and problems that belong tolerable for the region to become a scene to the past. Tourism in the BS countries could of conflicts based on different culture and be more successful if many of the still exist- religion. What should come to the fore are ing problems were solved, i.e. organizational, the common goals and values that should be visas, etc. This requires specific solutions and clearly exposed and a firm will for their ob- flexible policies in the region itself and on the servation and support. Intercultural dialogue level of EU – BS countries. can not only turn out to be an irreplaceable means for the achievement of this goal but Counteracting corruption schemes it can also help in the cultural enrichment of and frauds each country from the region and the development in future of stronger neighbourhood One of the main goals of the EU concerning relations, based on mutual trust and under- the Black Sea Region is sustainable develop- standing. The policies of preserving the cul- ment. However, another important thing is tural historical heritage, traditions, language the harmonious development of the separate origin and communication using a language regions, as well as raising the standard of life from the region could play a bridging role for - factors that will change the entire state of a common future. The intercultural dialogue the region. Active corruption schemes and and co-operation in the cultural area could schemes for frauds can sufficiently hamper help the region to become more united and and, in the case of lack of counteraction, can bring it near to a region with uniform charac- hinder the achievement of the aforemen- teristics or a uniform identity. Co-operation tioned goals. Thus one region will be given programs for cultural exchange, regional fes- the chance to develop more at the expense tivals, folklore and handicraft fair, mutual in- of others and an improving standard of living vestigation and research of cultural historical can remain only a good intention. A further heritage are among the instruments which result from the spreading corruption can be could change the tension accumulated over the undermining of the people’s trust in the recent last years. The area of culture is the efficiency of the EU as an entity, which for its real bridge across the sea and through the part, will influence the international image geographical borders. The internal cultural of the Union and will give reasons for its crit- co-operation should be combined with the ics and opponents to attack it. Furthermore, EU initiatives for common policies. this can influence its image on the international scene. It is unnatural that other European people know more about the Black Sea Region than Intercultural dialogue the people from the region themselves. There Intercultural dialogue can serve as a basis for un- are many NGO’s and associations, which could derstanding and co-operation in the other fields. create coordination centres and networks for The Black Sea Region is an arena where numer- dissemination of information and if this hap- ous different cultures and religions interact. pened in the original regional languages, this should be the best way for stability and un- The cultural and historical heritage of the derstanding. To speak in one voice in differ- Black Sea Region shows many common fea- ent languages is better than to speak in dif- tures, the language of some of the people ferent voices in an unknown language. 26 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

7. Bulgaria’s Role in Black Sea es, human rights protection and democratic Co-operation freedoms. Every year numerous forums, round tables and discussions with international par- In their “double” role Bulgaria and Romania, ticipation are organized to discuss those is- as members of both the EU and BSR, could sues and present the opportunities and the play a very important and strengthening role necessary actions in these aspects. Bulgaria in the processes that are taking place in the re- also is an active member of OSCE, whose pri- gion. Both countries could be real promoters orities and actions concern the issues already and best translators of the EU policies to the mentioned. governments and people of the Black Sea Re- gion. This role is based on the inherited good Movement and security relations and contacts with other countries in the previous periods of their mutual develop- Bulgaria actively pursues a policy aimed at ment. The first obligation of Bulgaria and Ro- ensuring reliable protection and control at mania as members of the EU is to implement the EU external frontiers. These activities are the principles and priorities of EU policies. The focused on efficient countering of terrorism, second obligation as Black Sea countries is to cross-border crime, illegal migration and traf- support the implementation of these policies ficking of people, illegal trafficking of goods, on the territory of the Black Sea basin as pro- drugs, weapons etc. gressive ones, to apply new models of co-op- At a national level, a set of legislative, in- eration for strengthening the socio-economic stitutional, administrative and organizational development, which is of mutual interest. measures is being undertaken to address bor- There are two additional facts that rein- der security threats in the aquatic territories force Bulgaria’s position as an important fac- and build an efficient system for protection tor in the Black Sea co-operation and raise its and control of the sea border. importance in the Balkan region: Bulgaria’s Bulgaria is prepared to partake in all southern neighbour is Turkey - a candidate forms of cross-border co-operation designed EU member, and also a Black Sea country, to to enhance security and stability in the Black the west Bulgaria borders the Western Bal- Sea Region, and commensurate with the ap- kans. The formation of this area between the plicable Community and international laws Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea and the devel- in this area. opment of opportunities for integration into the European policies design a comprehensive In order to increase the Efficiency of Bor- perspective of a really united Europe. der Control at the EU External Sea Frontiers, Bulgaria is addressing the following issues: As a country that practically implements a increasing internal security in the region by “bridging role” between the Western Balkans improving the collaboration among all those and the Black Sea, Bulgaria could accumulate institutions in Black Sea countries that are and generate new initiatives, which could be concerned with national security and navi- determined as “stabilizing”, taking into ac- gational safety, protecting the sea frontiers count also the good history of its relations and the environment by harmonisation of risk with Balkan countries and with the countries analysis techniques; improving the coordina- on the Black Sea coast. tion of joint operations and onboard searches Democracy, respect for human rights and for illegal immigrants, illegal shipments of good governance drugs, weapons and hazardous substances; jointly developing a methodology for fighting Bulgaria pays its tribute by keeping good rela- corruption in the specialized agencies of Black tions with all the countries from the region Sea countries. and serving as an example for good practic- The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 27

In order to improve Communication and Taking into account the more active and Coordination between National Border Coor- globalizing criminal activity without borders and dination Centres of Black Sea countries, Bul- the need for active co-operation and mutual garia aims at improving coordination between support as well as enhanced operational police border agencies in the Black Sea Region and in contacts in this relation, Bulgaria ratified and is particular at strengthening the capacity of the a participating state in the Police Co-operation Black Sea Border Coordination and Informa- Convention for South-eastern Europe, whose tion Centre in Burgas and the National Border aim is to adopt the Schengen standards in Coordination Centres of Black Sea countries. South-eastern Europe through the conclusion of a multilateral convention for the improvement The realisation of successful democratic of strategic police collaboration in the region. reforms for economic growth and increasing the welfare of the citizens in the South-east- Employment and social affairs ern Europe is a process directly related to the results from the counteraction of trans-border Bulgaria is trying to cope with the problem of crime. In this respect Bulgaria pays great atten- unemployment following the crisis. There are tion to the development of regional co-opera- constant round tables and conferences, dis- tion in order to enhance the level of security cussing the issues regarding the integration of and support of stability in the region. The ef- minorities and regarding gender equality. The fective protection of our borders is of crucial increased number of women at high levels of importance in achieving this goal. Bearing in government is a fact. mind the position of Bulgaria as an outside “Frozen” conflicts border of the EU, this issue is observed as a key priority and special attention is paid to the The Bulgarian recipe is a balanced ethnic model, legislation and the institutional capacity that which does not mean that the model should not is necessary for effective border control. develop and Europeanize. Bulgaria is interested having stability, integration and neighbourly re- Bulgaria successfully implements the Inte- lations around it and it cannot be just a con- grated Border Management Strategy (which sumer of security in the EU and NATO. Bulgaria aims at an “integrated and global response” forms a natural bridge between the EU countries to the challenges posed by the phenomenon of and the Caucasus, Russia and Ukraine. In 2009 irregular immigration through common exter- the “Sofia Process” initiative was announced, nal borders) and its Action Plan. Bulgaria is also which goal is finding an approach for solving the working on the preparation and the realization “frozen” conflicts. The reason for this project is of modern forms of exchange of information that Sofia should come up with initiatives and at an international level: the use of liaison of- should contribute to co-operation among the ficers; the development of common contact countries. It will have a secretariat in Sofia and posts on the border checkpoints; the practical partners in all countries of the region. application of trans-border observation and pursuit; the conducting of massive control of There is much instability, unresolved con- the external borders and implementation of flicts and tension in this region, including Tran- compensative measures on the internal bor- snistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which di- ders, related to the decline in the number of rectly affects Bulgaria’s security and it is of its check-ups; the introduction of newly facilitated own interest and of interest to the EU that these procedures for passing through border check- conflicts are being brought to their resolution. points as well as new specialized border police Energy, environment, transport, security training. One of the most important things regarding our succession to Schengen and one A basic element in the European environmen- of the top priorities for Bulgaria is integrated tal policy is the increase in the share of re- border management. newable energy sources (RES) in the structure 28 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

of the energy consumption of the member An agreement has been signed between countries, which is now less than 1 percent. Bulgaria and Greece, which will facili- It is expected to increase rapidly, due to the tate cross-border railway traffic. Bulgaria significant interest of investors aroused in signed the Code of Conduct on co-opera- 2008 by the preferential buyout rates of RES tion in the field of civil aviation incident generated power in Bulgaria and the reduced investigation of the European Civil Avia- interest in many European countries in energy tion Conference. Bulgaria and Romania from alternative sources because of its high came to an agreement concerning the price. The memorandum signed by EBRD re- acceleration of the construction on Roma- garding 250 million euro, with which the bank nian territory in connection with the Dan- will start a program for crediting of industrial ube Bridge 2. The Maritime Administra- projects toward the increase of energy effi- tion Executive Agency started two partner ciency in Bulgaria is an additional stimulus. projects for clean waters.

Bulgaria is prepared to undertake a key Bulgaria shares the following strategic in- role in strengthening the co-operation be- terests regarding environmental co-opera- tween the Danube and Black Sea countries. tion in the Black Sea Region, as concerns Being both a Danube and a Black Sea country, the rehabilitation and protection of the Bulgaria is well placed to contribute to the im- Black Sea and is working on their imple- plementation of EU environmental initiatives mentation with other BS countries: and policies in the region. • Enhancing co-operation in the area of Bulgaria attributes specific importance flood prevention along the Danube and to many of the following strategic energy minimizing the risks of industrial pollu- projects included in its Operative Program for tion; Cross-Border Co-operation in the Black Sea • Basin and in the National Strategy for Inte- Introducing the water management prin- grated Infrastructural Development. ciples provided in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) of the EU; • Project Title: NABUCCO • Obtaining a better understanding of Black • Project Title: Construction of the Burgas- Sea status and tendencies – introducing a Alexandroupolis Oil Pipeline harmonised and effective Black Sea Moni- • Project Title: AMBO toring System; • Project Title: Construction of a Gas System • Introducing and disseminating the basin Interlink between Bulgaria and Turkey approach with special emphasis on the transposition of relevant EU Directives on • Project Title: Construction of a Systems environment management practices in Interlink between the Gas Transmissions the coastal countries; Systems of Romania and Bulgaria. • Creating a better environment for imple- • Project Title: Construction of Systems In- mentation of various investment projects, terlink between the Gas Transmissions including strategic partnerships with do- Systems of Greece and Bulgaria. nors and international financial institu- • Project Title: Construction of Regional Ter- tions, and ensuring appropriate use of minal for Receiving (Regasification) of Liq- various financial instruments. uefied Natural Gas (LNG) at the Bulgarian Bulgaria has joined one of the Commu- Black Sea Coast. nity’s major initiatives in support of inter- • Project Title: South Stream modal transportation – the Marco Polo II program. The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 29

• Project Title: Investigating the interest reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy of operating Passenger Services Varna (CFP) of the EU approved in 2002. RAC's – Odessa – Istanbul. main role is to generate and provide advice on fishery management in the Black The aim is to create technical and organi- Sea to ensure sustainable development of zational capabilities for operation of serv- this sector in the region, sustainable de- ices between these ports, involving also velopment of fish stocks through an inte- the private sector by means of Public-Pri- grated approach based on protection of vate Partnership or other forms of co-op- the Black Sea and on the principle of pre- eration. emption, ensuring better transparency of Policy coordination among Black Sea scientific advice through encouraging dia- countries logue between research institutions and fishermen. Stakeholders' early involve- • Project Title: Optimization of Social Dia- ment in the RAC decision-making process logue and Public-Private Co-operation in is another priority for CFP formulation and the Navigation and Harbour Sectors of is crucial for its successful implementation. Countries with Black Sea Outlets. The joint formulation of fishery policies in the Black Sea will also be largely benefi- • Project Title: Development of Vision and cial to co-operation between the individ- Strategy for Integrated Black Sea Coastal ual countries in exercising control on illicit Zone Management to Increase Maritime fishing in the region. Transport Competitiveness and Ensure its Sustainable Development. • Project Title: Introduction of Common Provisions on the Use of Sparing Fish- Bulgaria is ready to take a proactive ap- ing Devices as well as Sanitary Norms for proach to disseminating the principles and Aquaculture and Transportation of Fish ideas of the future maritime policy in the Products. region by applying the integrated, cross- sector and interdisciplinary maritime poli- The project will contribute to harmonised cy model as proposed by the Green Paper. implementation of the key aspects em- Promoting the principles of Integrated bodied in the consolidated Community Black Sea Coastal Zone Management is legislation dealing with hygienic require- consistent with the Recommendation of ments related to fish products. the European Parliament and the Coun- cil on the implementation of Integrated • Project Title: Developing a Market Infor- Coastal Zone Management in Europe (30 mation Sharing System May 2002). A Market Information Sharing System Co-operation in maritime policy would be an efficient tool for promoting and fisheries fish trade in the Black Sea Region.

As regards development of relationships • Projects for delivery of training events and with Black Sea countries in the area of fish- seminars to third countries in the Black eries, fish resources and aquacultures in the Sea Region, concerning the work of fish- Black Sea, Bulgaria is working on the following inspectors, inspection of fish put on ing proposals: the wholesale market, sanitary/hygienic requirements and product storage re- • Project Title: Establishment of a Black Sea quirements. Regional Advisory Council (RAC)

The establishment of RACs by Council Decision 2004/585/EC is one of the key 30 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

Trade Research, Science and Technologies

Bulgaria has been a member of WTO since Bulgaria is using the possibilities for co-op- 1 December 1996. As of 1 January 2007 it eration through the Research Program of the has been a member State of the EU. All EU International Centre for Black Sea Studies as member States are WTO members, as is the well as through the establishment of a re- EU (until 30 November 2009 known officially search network, devoted to the problems of in the WTO as the European Community for the Black Sea and the co-operation with the legal reasons) in its own right. now forming European network for research and policy development. Bulgaria supports the efforts of the Black Sea partner countries to join the WTO.

Each country creates its own goals, pre- initiatives. The aim of all Bulgarian institutions pares its strategies and action plans. It is nec- and authorities is the intensification of their essary that each BS country weaves its view activity and their participation in the current for the region into these strategies. This is the policies of the region. way to meet its close neighbours. In “soft security measures”, we believe Bulgaria has its strategic goals for the re- that the regular working visits to the Black Sea gion and all Bulgarian people accept for the Border Coordination and Information Centre country the role of a geopolitical and geos- in Burgas as well as widening the scope of its trategic crossroads in the Black Sea Region activities will be of interest for all BSEC Mem- between East and West. ber-States and not only for the littoral states. The aim is to contribute to strengthening the Strategic goals of Bulgaria towards the efficiency of border management. region are connected with the safeguarding of its national security through achieving last- EU participation in the development of ing stability in the region and the creation of regional co-operation in all its aspects is of favourable conditions for the development of key importance for the interests of Bulgaria. the Bulgarian economy through increasing The Bulgarian strategic objectives mentioned the co-operation in the Black Sea Region on a above could be safeguarded an active in- bilateral and regional basis. volvement of NATO and the EU in the region. In this context the successful implementation In the context of co-operation in the Black of the Black Sea Synergy in addition to the Sea Bulgaria adheres to the principles of con- EU Neighbourhood policy is of paramount im- sistency, continuity, respect for the rights of portance for Bulgaria. The attempts of some building bilateral relationships or relationships countries to isolate the region, which means in other formats of mutual interest, stability in preventing NATO and EU involvement in the the relations with the EU, covering standards processes of the regional co-operation, con- and norms in various sectors and policies lead- tradict the Bulgarian national interests. The ing to sustainable patterns of development. Bulgarian interests lie in developing regional The principles include those of inclusion and co-operation, based on the principles, values striving for consensus, but if they cannot be and standards of the European processes of achieved, it is possible to apply asymmetric integration. The observer status of the Com- geometry. Support for the activity of the Par- mission to the BSEC could be instrumental in liamentary Assembly of Black Sea Economic furthering regional co-operation. Co-operation and the Organization of Black Sea Economic Co-operation is among the Different elements have to be used for the Bulgarian priorities for internal co-operation achievement of the long term objectives: The Black Sea Region in EU Policies 31

• Strengthening security and stability, good cal organizations and institutions, as well neighbourly relations and partnership as business associations, academic and re- with and among all the countries of the search institutions and non-governmental region; organisations.

• Promoting democracy, rule of law, human Bulgaria will actively promote the formu- rights and good governance; lation and implementation of an enhanced EU policy in the Black Sea Region. • Providing support for a functioning market economy, encouraging economic de- In the near future regionalism and region- velopment and prosperity; al organizations in the context of the global structures will have growing importance. The • Extending collaboration with civil society; reasons for this are the fact that they are close • Developing co-operation at municipal and to the problems, they are aware of the specif- regional level. ics, concerning the psychology and the needs of their people and hence they could offer the The co-operation in the Black Sea Region most efficient way for achieving any purpose is based on common values and principles, with the minimum of negative reactions or shared by all countries and defined by the opposition. However, in order to overcome UN Charter, the basic OSCE, the Council of past tensions and rivalry, regional organiza- Europe and BSEC documents, as well as the tions or actions on a regional level need out- bilateral agreements between the countries side impetus: one that can offer something from the region and the EU and NATO. worth enough to make them co-operate, despite their differences. Bulgaria supports enhanced co-operation among the Black Sea countries, based on the All sectors of the economy and social following principles: development are particularly sensitive and important for the region. The main goal is • shared responsibility for the development to safeguard, preserve and keep the Black and prosperity of the region and owner- Sea basin as a bearer of the marine origin. ship of the regional co-operation process; Strengthening the presence of the Black Sea • an inclusive approach, ensuring that no Region and its validation as the region with a country of the region is excluded; European sounding and characteristics can be achieved by the creation of an independent • a pragmatic approach; strategy for its long term development.

• synergy between various regional initia- This conclusion is based on the analysis of tives and programs; all the documents and activities in the region, • each country being able to decide wheth- some of which are analyzed in this report as er to participate or not in a given project well. There are many deficits which make the developed with the initiative of concerned policies for the region not only incomplete, but countries in the region; which do not allow the implementation of all the initiatives in the region and for the region • co-financing from regional partners or to follow the principle of “getting results”. The other sources, including international fi- main deficits are associated with the lack of ef- nancial institutions, government and pri- fective information coverage of the region, the vate funds, establishing partnerships of use of the original languages of its countries, the Northern Dimension type; insufficient consensus on the objectives of the programs, the neglect of important sectors of • openness for co-operation with the EU our recent development, such as tourism, the and other international, regional and lo- fight against organized crime, lack of a com- 32 The Black Sea Region in EU Policies

prehensive vision for co-operation in the region should be emphasized today is that the Black based on its diversity, lack of efficiency in the Sea Region is no less important than the other coordination of all the efforts exerted by differ- regions, such as the Mediterranean, the Baltic, ent institutions and organizations, lack of de- and the Danube, for which independent strat- centralization of the policies to the region itself. egies have already been set up. This could lead to faster growth and development. The Black Sea Synergy is a very important initiative but not enough for full manifestation The Black Sea Region needs a vision for itself of the whole diversity and complexity of the as part of the global community. This will give region. There are many roads to achieve this it stimulus to develop and to build strong rela- – through the intensification of the BSEC and tions within this region. Only if they see their PABSEC activities, through creation of new future as part of a bigger entity (such as the EU) structures like the Black Sea Assembly in which will the Black Sea countries have the incentive all countries and the EU can participate in a to concentrate on the future instead of on the predetermined format, or through the crea- past. The EU has the unique chance of helping tion of a Black Sea Union, as was suggested by the region build its own future, sticking to and the EP. But the first step is and should be the following the main principles of the Union. Fur- adoption of an independent BS Strategy. This thermore, thus the EU will help itself by forming could be understood as a road map for the re- a stable and competitive, conflict-free and rule- gion in the future. The considerable thing that abiding region, which is part of Europe.

About the author:

Dr. Marusya Lyubcheva is presently associate professor at the University „Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” in Burgas. The area of her scientific research is polymers’ chemistry, ecology, and waste management. In the period of 1995- 2005 she was deputy mayor of the town of Burgas, responsible for education, culture, religion and youth. In 2005 she was elected Member of the Bulgarian National Assembly, and in 2007 Member of the European Parlia- ment. Her activities are connected with the Black Sea, environment, education, equality between woman and men, as well as with the protection of children.