Integration of the Black Sea Region: Themes and Challenges

Oleksandr Svyetlov 1

Theoretical approaches

• rationalist vs. constructivist approaches • regionalization´s pre-conditions 2

Unique nature of the Black Sea region

• Region´s unique position • Region´s paradoxes 3

History of the Black Sea regional cooperation

Temporal dimension

: • 1st phase: till 1995 • 2nd phase: 1995 – 1999 • 3rd phase: 2000 – 2008 • 4th phase: 2008 – current • •

Orgs. and Tools

: BSEC, GUAM, CDC, Black Sea Forum, TRACECA, DABLAS, INOGATE, ENP, EaP, Black Sea Synergy

Think tanks

: Commission on the Black Sea, Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation 4

• • • • • • • • •

Approaches towards Black Sea regionalism

Compensatory regionalism Dysfunctional regionalism Eclectic regionalism Institutional regionalism Geo-political regionalism Good neighbourliness regionalism Security regionalism Technical regionalism Transformative regionalism

5

EU ´s involvement in the Black Sea region

• Geopolitical rivalry • EU´s policy instruments • EU´s Black Sea Synergy Proposal 6

What kind of future?

Policy Recommendations for the Black Sea regional integration

• targets and deadlines for legally binding rules • creation of common and specific funds • confidence-building measures • regular consultation / coordination mechanisms • individual states´ devotion + complex approach 8

Dilemma s of Ukraine ´ s path

Ukraine - a victim of neighbouring states´ geopolitical games and its own Soviet-dependent passivity of identity, discourse and policy?

Ukraine´s geopolitical role

1. Ukraine is one of the main links of the vertical axis of transportation and communication ties between the Northern European countries and the Mediterranean and Middle East countries, as well as of the horizontal axis which joins two geopolitical world centers, two civilizations - Europe and Asia.

2. Ukraine plays the role of promoter of European orientation for the Post-Soviet countries of the Black Sea region.

3. The leading role of Ukraine in implementation of European initiatives in the Black Sea region.

4. Ukraine tries to assert itself in the region as a viable and influential country and subregional leader.

12

Ukraine´s economic role

Ukraine is an important trading partner for the countries of the Black Sea region.

Ukraine is an important link in providing the European consumer market with fuel and energy resources.

13

Ukraine´s priority fields:

1. security; 2. energy; 3. transport; 4. trade and economic development; 5. banking and finances; 6. communication, science and technology; 7. tourism and environmental protection.

14

„Long live the common European house!“

Thank you!