The EU Black Sea Synergy : An Analysis

Abstract

The Black Sea is an enclosed sea, which is situated between Europe and Asia and is surrounded by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. It is connected to Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the world oceans through the Turkish Straits and the Sea of Marmara. In the north the Kerch Straits provides the connection with the Azov Sea.

The Black Sea region is becoming increasingly important and acquiring greater significance in today’s world. Development of energy and transport sectors is the most significant economic-related issue. Other important concern comes from the environmental area, since the environmental situation of the Black Sea is nearly catastrophic.

The Black Sea is an important area for the EU from both economic and strategic dimensions to develop its priority in west-east transit corridors. On 11 January 2007 with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, the EU has directly reached the Black Sea shores. Then the first step towards the Black Sea policy was taken in the form of communication from the European Commission. The Communication of European Commission “Black Sea Synergy –A New Regional Co-operation Initiative,” aims at increasing the EU involvement in further defining priorities and mechanisms at the regional level in order to address the significant opportunities and challenges in Black Sea area.

The principal aim of this study is legal and institutional analysis of development of safe and efficient corridors in the Black Sea region in the context of the EU Black Sea initiative.