In the spotlight with its ever increasing important geo-political situation, the Black Sea countries accuse the European Union of not providing enough support and enhancing structural relations. The 12-member Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Secretary General Ambassador Leonidas Chrysanthopoulos pointed to the agreement between the EU and the BSEC to create a synergy that would pave the way for a solution in Nagorno-Karabagh and Abkhazia.
Addressing a conference organized by the Center for Eurasian Strategic Studies (ASAM) on Friday, the Greek ambassador stressed the double standards adopted by the EU toward the BSEC, pointing to the change in attitude from Sept.14, 2006 to March 23, 2007.
Chrysanthopoulos stated that the EU's General Affairs Council already took note of the necessity for a more enhanced relationship between BSEC and the EU and later approved creating “Black Sea Synergy” to find solutions regarding the frozen conflicts in the region, like Nagorno-Karabakh, South Osetia, Abkhazia and Transnistria.
However, instead of a structural dialogue, the EU is now seeking to implement a regional policy in the Black Sea, noted the secretary general. Pointing to an international summit in Istanbul on June 25 to mark the BSEC's 15th anniversary, Chrysanthopoulos said they will be looking for joint action with the EU but he is deeply suspicious of the result.
“It will not be easy to reach a joint declaration for cooperation with EU members despite the initial decision to develop the EU's Black Sea regional policy, since the commission didn't propose structural cooperation during our meeting on April 11,” he underlined.
The European Commission decided to encourage relations after consulting the European Council and Parliament on the strengthening of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) in 2006 to coordinate EU actions and programs in the region, particularly in the high priority sectors of transport, energy, environmental protection, infrastructure, as well as combating organized crime. The two organizations agreed to establish regular contacts and to meet at a foreign ministerial level once every two years.
'We are moving forward':
Since the broad EU policy towards the region is already set out in the pre-accession strategy with Turkey, Strategic Partnership with Russia and the European Neighborhood Policy with the rest of the countries, the commission did not intend to propose an independent Black Sea Strategy according to sources familiar with the issue. It rather wants to build on the cooperation gained from existing regional initiatives.
The Secretary General also expressed his hope for the future, since more states are applying for observer status in light of deepening relations among BSEC members.
“We are moving forward. I do see progress and I am heartened by what I see,” he said.
(Turkish Daily News, 16/04/2007)