Greening the Black Sea Synergy

The EU’s enlargement in 2007 brought the union to the shores of the Black Sea and prompted it to recognise the coherence and significance of the region as it launched its Black Sea Synergy (BSS), which represents an important attempt on the EU’s part to promote regional co-operation in an area covered by separate EU policy processes. The Synergy covers six riparian countries as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova. It envisages that the EU will build on existing regional institutions to avoid duplication and focus on policy areas which are considered key in the EU’s relations with the region: energy, transport, environment, migration and security.

This event will present the results of a study, which aims to contribute to the formation of a sustainable Black Sea Synergy by providing concrete policy recommendations in the fields of energy, transport, and security, taking into account environmental factors.

Welcome
by Mr Tony Long, Director, WWF European Policy Office, Brussels

Presentation of the Study
by Mr Nicolas Tavitian, Consultant

Discussants
- Mr Janos Herman, Deputy Political Director, DG External Relations, European Commission
- Ms Roberta Anastase, Member of European Parliament, Rapporteur on the Black Sea Synergy
- HE Boyko Kotzev, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of Bulgaria to the EU (tbc)
- HE Mihnea Motoc, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of Romania to the EU (tbc)

Closing Remarks
by Mr Claude Weinber, Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Brussels

Chair
Mr Roderick Kefferpütz, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Brussels