By CANSU CAMLIBEL, Of Turkish Daily News
Concerns related to energy issues and Russia have led the European Union to pay greater attention to the Black Sea region. A new co-operation initiative termed "Black Sea Synergy" has been put forward by the European Commission and this new strategy was presented as a complementary measure to the EU`s already ongoing efforts to promote stability and reform in countries neighboring the Black Sea.
The commission considers "Black Sea Synergy" as an attempt to complete the chain of regional cooperation frameworks in the European Union`s neighborhood, adding to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Northern Dimension. However, the "Black Sea Synergy" initiative differs from the two previous mechanisms as the Commission does not propose the creation of new institutions or bureaucratic structures. As broader EU policy towards the region is already set out in the pre-accession strategy with Turkey, a Strategic Partnership with Russia and the European Neighborhood Policy with the other countries, the commission does not intend to propose an independent Black Sea Strategy. It rather wants to build cooperation through experiences gained from existing regional initiatives.
Black Sea Economic Cooperation as the key mechanism:
As all the countries in the region are already members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), which was founded by Russia and Turkey fifteen years ago, the Commission thinks the BSEC might serve as the primary channel of dialogue for this "synergy." At present seven EU member states have observer status within the BSEC. The commission intends to seek observer status as well and supports EU member states` application for observer status.
A climate for frozen conflicts:
While introducing this new initiative, Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner expressed hope that Black Sea Synergy will contribute to creating a better climate for the resolution of frozen conflicts in the region. The commission advocates a more active EU role through increased political involvement in efforts to address the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, South Osetia, Abkhazia and Transnistria. However, it is not clearly stated in what way the EU would contribute to help resolve those conflicts that exist among some neighboring countries of the Black Sea region.
Russian dimension:
Although the commission tries to present "Black Sea Synergy" as an enhanced contribution to regional dialogue, along with promotion of democracy and human rights for countries in the region, this sudden interest by the EU in the Black Sea has more to do with security of energy supply and migration. A diplomatic source said, "The EU wants to use all means to keep Russia in its sight. As the Black Sea is a key region for Russia`s energy policies, the EU wants to be at the table"
The commission wants to kick-off a high political event that would provide political orientation and visibility to the EU's Black Sea Synergy. Benita Ferrero-Waldner said regular ministerial level meetings attended by the EU and BSEC countries might be take place depending on progress made. The commission will push the European Council to adopt this new strategy at its June summit.
(Turkish Daily News, 13/04/2007)