Black Sea Synergy

The EU seeks to increase cooperation among and between the countries surrounding the Black Sea. Specifically it aims to:

• Stimulate democratic and economic reforms
• Support stability and promote development
• Focus on practical projects in areas of common concern
• Respond to opportunities and challenges through coordinated action in a regional framework
• Develop a climate more conducive to the solution of conflicts in the region

The EU has developed a programme, “Black Sea Synergy”, with a number of concrete initiatives looking at areas like transport, energy, the environment, maritime management, fisheries, migration, and the fight against organised crime, the information society and cultural cooperation.

The EU has also established a new cross-border cooperation programme involving local authorities in the countries around the Black Sea, and supporting the activities of civil society organisations.

See for more information: Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Black Sea Synergy (Ukrainian version )

A ministerial conference on the Black Sea Synergy took place on 14 February 2008 in Kiev (Ukraine). A Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries of the European Union and of the wider Black Sea area was adopted.

A Report on the first year of implementation of the Black Sea Synergy COM(2008) 391, was adopted on 19.06.2008