The Black Sea region is a contested neighbourhood and the subject of intense debate. This reflects the changing dynamics of the region, its complex realities, the interests of outsiders and the region’s relations with the rest of the world. Its strategic position, linking north to south and east to west, as well as its oil, gas, transport and trade routes are all important reasons for its increasing relevance.
Despite heightened interest in the area however, the region’s real priorities and needs are still being largely ignored. In part this can be attributed to the failure of the regional actors to produce an agreed vision for the future. The emergence of the Black Sea as a region-between-regions and the conflicting agendas of powerful local and external players distort the necessary regional focus and blur outcomes. Thus, a reassessment of the region, with all of its problems and priorities, is urgently needed. This will provide all actors involved with a better understanding of what can be done, as well as allowing them to develop innovative approaches to problems, thus enhancing the region’s security, stability and welfare. The emergence of a peaceful and cooperative Black Sea region would be of benefit to all.
With this in mind and with its overarching approach, the Commission has sought to promote an inclusive strategy taking into account the needs, priorities and interests of all stakeholders in four essential areas; peace and security, economic development and welfare, democratic institutions and good governance and, finally, regional cooperation. The Commission has come to an understanding that the region’s future lies in further democratisation and economic integration with the wider world.
The rationale behind the preparation of this report has been the increased geopolitical volatility of the region which, in certain places, can ignite at any given moment into open warfare. The area’s unresolved conflicts retard economic development and have the potential to flare up into wider conflagrations. They impact regional stability and security and, unless tackled, threaten far greater international ramifications. But it is the Commission’s conviction that it is realistic to envisage a cohesive, developed, integrated and stable region. To do so:
- The regional actors must renounce the use of force in their political relations and respect each other’s territorial integrity, the inviolability of their borders, international treaties and the rule of law in their dealings.
- Interested outsiders must support efforts to secure good governance, the creation of interdependencies and the regionalisation of the Black Sea’s politics and economy.
- The international community must encourage cooperative efforts and confidence-building measures as well as actions in favour of the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Black Sea politics work best if the approach is regional. The states in question should be encouraged to seek regional solutions for regional problems. The stakeholders must face up to the need to tackle tasks together and allow for non-state actors such as the business sector, NGOs and civil society to play a real role in shaping solutions. Thus the Commission recommends:
2020 Vision – A Black Sea Dimension
Creating a new overarching concept and policy, a Black Sea Dimension, by the actors and countries in the region, focusing on the year 2020. Its aim would be to promote regional cooperation while anticipating changes in the neighbourhood. The 2020 Vision needs to be developed into a clear strategy which should mark the culmination of several linked initiatives.
Enhance the profile of Black Sea regionalism
The Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) is in need of rejuvenation. Its 20th anniversary summit in 2012 should be an opportunity to renew the commitment of its members to regional cooperation and to inaugurate an overhauled BSEC in order to make it a more relevant organisation with greater clout. BSEC’s rebirth, expanded role and enhanced regional relevance could be symbolised by giving it a new name. A region-wide awareness raising competition could be opened for everyone in the region to suggest a new name for it and to design a new flag and logo.
Deal with the conflicts
Establish a high level consultative group in order to tackle the protracted conflicts and other outstanding issues of the region. A number of confidence-building measures and a structured security dialogue on relevant issues should be established. The feasibility of an international gathering on the Black Sea, preferably at summit level, involving the regional states and international stakeholders, should be the end point for the work of the high level group.
Focus on economic issues that meet common challenges and real needs
The principles of sustainable development should be the guiding philosophy of regional cooperation in the Black Sea area. Rational responses to the consequences of climate change and the responsible use of natural, human and societal resources are essential components of such a development model, which should be translated into coherent policies at national and regional levels. Policies to improve the business environment and facilitate greater economic activity across borders, as well as establishing regular policy dialogues between relevant officials need to be implemented.
Promote and coordinate regional cooperation schemes at all levels
The coordination of numerous existing cooperation schemes, programmes and initiatives for the Black Sea needs to be taken in hand in order to unleash the full potential of the region. There is also a need to move beyond the common top-down approach to assure that civil society plays a role in the development of the region. Identifying issues which could be better addressed regionally, rather than nationally, is a priority. Lessons should be drawn from the experiences of other areas which have faced or are dealing with similar issues, such as the Baltic, the Balkans, the Danube region and so on.
Promote intercultural dialogue
A clear encouragement and sponsorship of intercultural and interfaith dialogue among the peoples of the Black Sea is needed. Cooperation between universities should be enhanced and more coverage of the countries by journalists from the region, for the region, should be encouraged.
Promote the targeted training of professional groups
There is a need for the targeted training of public servants, diplomats, young leaders, parliamentarians and business leaders throughout the region. The creation of a Black Sea Training Academy would help streamline such a process.
Promote good governance, civil society and social dialogue
The involvement of civil society in policy making and their linkages in relation to good governance should be encouraged. Efforts should also be made to facilitate cooperation between civil society organisations in Black Sea countries including the conflict regions. Business organisations such as chambers of commerce, employers’ organisations and trade unions should also be encouraged to talk to one another in order to find and propose regional solutions for common problems.