Transcript Factors of the problems and strategies for overcoming them

Factors of the problems and strategies for
overcoming them in Ukraine-Romania
relations – Romanian view
Mirela Ciucur
Resurse Association
December 2nd, 2011
Romania’s geo-strategic location
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The Black Sea region has been for centuries a geo-political strategic
location that continues to attract opportunities for neighborhood
cooperation in terms of economic exchange, energy and environmental
policies and cross border possibilities.
In fostering new ways of strategic development and supporting economic,
social and political reform for the regional member states, Romania plays
an important role as it not only represents the country’s best interests but
those of the European Union, in its efforts to support aspiring members in
the course of accession.
The new role implies equally benefits and responsibilities at various levels:
on one hand, Romania became a donor in the actions for development and
is gradually becoming an active supporter of developing states, and on the
other hand is enrolled in monitoring actions towards successful integration
policies, European identity and circular migration.
The Black Sea Region Relevance
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In the context of cross border cooperation around the Black Sea region, state
partnerships based on historical background, cultural and traditional diversity and
mutual governmental interests are likely to develop, as the case of Romania and
Ukraine.
One of the biggest challenges in forming a European community strongly united
has been particularly the variety of cultures and economic dynamic of its member
countries. It may also become its biggest strength, as on a long term, diversity
generates progress.
When we look at the immediate proximity of EU and its prospect for future
expansion, the Black Sea region, formed by most divers nations in terms of
cultural and historical background, economic and social status and even religion
and society values may pose a real challenge but also a strategic opportunity, as
The Black Sea not only that has a regional significance but also a global one.
A coherent strategy for the region
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This status-quo of public affairs may be a regressing factor in running a
real democratic process in the member countries and developing
diplomatic and economic relations outside their borders.
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A number of consequences are therefore generated:
• insufficient ground for promoting the democratic values supported
by an adequate law systems
• low level of public society empowerment and awareness regarding
its capacity and rights to play an active participation in the states’
decision making process and represent their interest overseas
• the absence of economic and trade cross-border development in
the region
• a weak presence of private sector initiative, as typically a healthy
business environment accelerates economic development and
positive governance towards international cooperation
A coherent strategy for the region
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A coherent strategy for the region in preserving the stability
and security and promoting the development of democratic
states is needed.
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While maintaining the national integrity, it could bring a solid
ground for reinforcing the core values of European adherence
and for rebalancing the poles of power in the world.
The role of youth
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The role of youth is not sufficiently emphasized in bringing a new vision of
leadership and public advocacy. As well as the potential of cooperation between
business environment and think tanks in identifying the right ways towards
democratization and private sector development and creating alliances for public
society participation and an open economy.
Cross-border reconciliation and conflict
resolution
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In the process of building the capacity to resolve cross-border issues and
reestablish trust, external actors can play a positive influence, thus they
are not able to impose solutions. A set of measures is needed to improve
internal political environment, establish public advocacy alliances and
raise the debate on relevant issues, involving − Strategies − Participants −
Actions − M&E, build ownership of the process within the society.
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In attempting to overcome barriers and generate solutions, regional
cooperation has a crucial role in support of the local efforts for
reconciliation, conflict transformation intelligence and gaining a broader
perspective, recognizing the capacity of media and business actors to
positively influence mutual understanding and long-term commitment.
The main areas where the two states could act
jointly to bring positive change
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The extent of affairs between Romania and Ukraine and perspectives for
developing them further, with a greater impact in the Black Sea Region.
• creating ways for fostering economic cooperation, sustainable
development and innovative business solutions
• encouraging youth to move and act freely across borders in pursuit of
better education and professional opportunities and the possibility of
transferring valid leadership for the future
• cross-border reconciliation and conflict prevention; bridging communities
• empowerment of civil society in securing the values of democratization
and good governance
• improved environmental policies aimed at preventing irresponsible
actions and promoting eco-friendly industries in the region
• increased cooperation at the level of think thank and business
environment influencing future opportunities for progress
• supporting social initiatives for a better integration process and crosscultural exchange
Priorities for Cooperation and Partnership from
the Perspective of Bucharest
Clarifying territorial disputes
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Romania was sure to adopt a non-aggressive foreign policy, as becoming a
member of NATO and the EU, in relation to Ukraine. Thus combating illicit trade
and trafficking across the border is one of the measures needed to be taken so to
improve economic ties between the two countries and foster cross-border
initiatives that may be related to environment, civil society and democracy.
Along some current initiatives towards peacebuilding regional cooperation are the
launch of Black Sea Peacebuilding Network (BSPN) holding its regional meeting
in Kiev and the Black Sea Peacebuilding Platform, raising the discussion to higher
level and in broader society. Engagement in the region to provide support and
expertise on peacebuilding and conflict transformation by PATRIR, Romania or
Crisis Management Initiative from Finland are also very welcome initiatives.
Priorities for Cooperation and Partnership from
the Perspective of Bucharest
Combating Illicit Trafficking
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In order to best represent the position of Romania as an EU member, in
relation to Ukraine both Romania and Ukraine representatives expressed
their willingness to intensify negotiations about the agreement on small
border traffic and relaunched the work of the intergovernmental
commission monitoring the situation of the Romanian and Ukrainian
minorities in both countries. These negotiations can be regarded as the
resumption of political dialogue about the most delicate issues –
combating illicit trade and trafficking across the border.
Priorities for Cooperation and Partnership from
the Perspective of Bucharest
Combating Illicit Trafficking
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The constant problem in bilateral relations is the question of the location of the
Ukrainian minority of 60,000 people in Romania and the population of 150,000
Romanians in Ukraine. As until 2009 both countries were locked in the territorial
dispute which was eventually settled in favor of Romania (the trial over the status
of Snake Island), Romanian-Ukrainian relations are still being complicated by
contentions relating to navigation on the Danube and security issues. Due to these
unresolved divergences, it may be difficult to expect immediate effects in the
process of reviving Ukrainian-Romanian relations, thus common work groups
regarding the visa situation have been initiated and positive solutions are on their
way.
Energy cooperation Climate and Environment
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As important as it is for its geo-strategic position from perspective of EU
and NATO and their interests to secure cooperation among their members,
the the future of bilateral relations between Romania and Ukraine in the
context of the Black Sea Region is equally relevant for economic reasons,
primarily energy and trade.
Joint actions and projects at regional level should be concentrated around
key problems like sustainable energy, organic agriculture, awareness
raising and environmental education and a cooperation plan in the field of
environmental policies.
Initiatives for environment policies and construction of a tourism
infrastructure and common actions on fisheries policy and protection of
endangered species of dolphins in the Black Sea are also important aspects
to consider in the development process of the new coastal territories.
Energy cooperation Climate and Environment
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One of the most sensitive issues concerning the relations between Romanian and
Ukraine, is the maritime border delimitation and the division of the shelf, which,
according to the UN International Court of Justice it could not be considered as
the outermost point of Ukrainian territory. As a consequence of the court rule, the
most part (80%) of the disputed area was granted to Romanian, including a major
portion (almost 70%) of the shelf’s substantial oil and gas reserves. Resolving the
issue was of crucial importance for delimiting the line separating the two countries
exclusive economic zones on the continental shelf, which is estimated to hold up
to 100 m3 billion of gas and up to 10 mil. tones of oil.
As the court interpretation doesn’t consider the Snake Island as to be taken into
account in the delimitation of exclusive economic zones, oil and gas extraction
will require cooperation between both countries.
Energy cooperation Climate and Environment
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On May, 2011, both Ukrainian and Romanian diplomacies initiated intentions to
improve the relations between the two countries in strengthening economic,
transport and energy co-operation.
Energy cooperation and knowledge exchange are also needed in the area of
construction of hydroelectric, nuclear, coal mining and in the European pollution
standards and participation in the construction of transit routes for hydrocarbons in
the South Caucasus and Central Asia, perhaps including Russia. Furthermore,
interconnecting energy projects from Romania in the EU energy program, will
likely set the ground for encouraging the business sector development in the
region.
A responsible operational plan of the area
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The major environmental and energy challenges of the two neighbor countries
also in the context of global problems like climate change, energy, food,
environmental contamination will most likely be addressed involving the presence
of the civil society as a driving force for modernization, democratization and
economic reforms that allow for a mutual transfer of expertise, good practices and
effective solutions from one country to the other.
Successful models of sea neighborhood states dealing with aspects of historical
and geo-political nature, like the Baltic Sea region or Mediterranean region are a
valid proof that a sustainable and coherent environment and energy policy could
only be achieved through regional cooperation.
There is a growing interest for regional cooperation between Romania and
Ukraine and initiatives aimed at creation of a common entity to exploit the
agriculture, tourism and energy potential and benefit from commercial exchanges
while maintaining a steady interest for preservation and protection of the Danube
Delta ecosystem may represent the logical step for the two states in the future.
Strategic cooperation
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After Romania’s accession to the European Union, cooperation with the countries
around the Black Sea region became even more important on the communitarian
agenda. Several European initiatives have been implemented, with the intention of
reinforcing the regional cooperation.
Hence, The Black Sea Synergy is a European initiative for regional cooperation
launched in 2008. The EU efforts through the Black Sea Synergy are
complementary with other EU efforts and policies in this region (both bilateral and
multilateral) – the European Neighborhood Policy, the European Eastern
Partnership, the cross border cooperation.
Source: http://www.fondromania.org
Strategic cooperation
Priorities in the European context:
• Regional cooperation programs between Ukraine and Romania and transfer of
knowledge in order to bring Ukraine closer to European values while Ukraine is
expected to support the pro-European direction that Romania has been following
as a member of the Eastern periphery of the EU
• The involvement of Romania and Ukraine as regional actors active in the
negotiations on the conflict in Transnistria, where apparently Romanian-Ukrainian
relations are still being at strain as both countries are also divided over the
approach to resolving the local conflict where Kyiv holds a more conciliatory
position on the prospect of maintaining the region's autonomy within the state of
Moldova
• Economic and military cooperation in the region, particularly related to intention
to install American anti-missile shield in Romania, in which case Ukraine hinted
that would demand consultations in this matter with Romania and the US
• Exchanges of good practices (in the institutional reform area, democracy and
human rights)
Recent initiatives and good practices towards
unity in the region
Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme launched in 2009, with a total
initial budget of EUR5 mil. [www.blacksea-cbc.net]
The International Black Sea Action Day - 31 October
 On April 21st 1992, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation,
Turkey and Ukraine signed the Convention on the Protection of the Black
Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention) ratified in 1994.
 Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, was adopted by its member states on
October 31st 1996, date that became the "International Black Sea Action
Day" with the scope of raising public awareness of the regional
cooperation initiated in protecting the Black Sea.
Recent initiatives and good practices towards
unity in the region
The Eastern European Youth Cooperation (EEYC)
 The initiative started in 2002, when the National Youth Councils (NYC) from
Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus decided to adopt a closer cooperation. An official
cooperation agreement was signed between the NYCs of Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.
 The EEYC successfully run over 30 common activities in the countries covered by
its membership, involving over 450 active young people from the region and more
than 100 youth organizations. Its main focus is orientated toward activities
supporting its member organizations, primarily youth organizations, members of
the NYC of their country including educational programs, seminars and
conferences, knowledge exchange and mutual project initiatives.
 Above all, the EECY network, the most extensive youth organization in the Black
Sea area aims at supporting the youth policy in the region, by introducing its
members into the main EU and UN forums and organizations and advocating for
the important problems of youth in Easter Europe on the European and
international agenda.
Source: Alexandru Coica - National Youth Council, Republic of Moldova
Recent initiatives and good practices towards
unity in the region
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Giving the diversity of cultural and historical background of the countries in the
region, the Black Sea continues to offer a real junction point for communication
and exchange. In the case of Romania and Ukraine, further cooperation between
local communities regarding the minorities is needed in order to facilitate the
access to cultural/educational programs for preservation and reconstruction of the
Romanian speaking minorities in Ukraine and vice versa.
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While national identity is becoming increasingly important working to find a
common ground in terms of political views, socio-economic and cultural values in
the region may be challenging, thus developing a coherent strategy may be the key
for future progress. Preserving the stability and security is of crucial importance
but democracy and citizen participation are also elements of sustainability and
further development in the region.
Iulian Fota - Presidential counselor for national security (Romania)
Intercultural cross-changes
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Reevaluating the role of civil society in acting as a liaison between the two
countries governments is therefore needed in bringing a positive social change in
the region.
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Initiatives such as the Eastern Partnership Cultural Programme are only early steps
in creating cultural and educational exchanges between the two states for a better
understanding and cooperation in the sphere of civil society.
Common environmental projects
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Preparations for development of the European Union’s strategy for the
Danube region were officially inaugurated on February 2nd, 2010. The
initiative, in which eight EU member states and six neighbors are
engaged, will focus on reinforcing regional cooperation in areas related to
development of transport infrastructure, protection of the natural
environment and economic development. The Strategy was proposed to be
approved in the first half of 2011 and its implementation was meant to
become one of the key issues on the agenda during the Hungarian
presidency of the EU.
Common environmental projects
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The countries situated along the Danube have enrolled in this initiative, which is
part of the European Union’s regional policy. In addition to EU member states
(Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania and
Bulgaria), an interest to participate has been declared by the Balkan states,
Ukraine, and Moldova. The European Commission has been coordinating the
work on the Danube Strategy on the basis of the resolution adopted on January
21st, 2010 by the European Parliament.
The strategy provides the ground for an intensification of regional co-operation.
Its main goals include an improvement of the transport infrastructure (including
on rivers), protection of the natural environment, promoting renewable energy
sources as well as economic and social development. The Strategy has been
funded through funds already available to member states as part of EU funds,
including the cohesion and regional development funds.
Common environmental projects
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A vital element of the strategy is represented its external dimension,
namely co-operation with Western Balkan countries, which do not belong
to the EU. The funds assigned to become available as part of the strategy,
are expected to accelerate and facilitate the process.
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Further programs focusing on tourism, improving the water quality in the
Black Sea and common environmental policies with a strong research
component, have been developed among the member states in the region,
in addition to the strategy.
Position with the European Union as the ‘good
neighbor’ attitude
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In the context of European Union’s policy towards its Eastern neighbors
and the objective of ‘external integration’, the local rather than the global
potential and position of the European Union imposes a new challenge –
can EU continue the process of ‘making Europe wider’? Which also
trigger a new dimension for regional and bilateral partnerships among the
members and non-members of the Union.
Position with the European Union as the ‘good
neighbor’ attitude
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Inside the EU, Romania has publicly and consistently supported Ukraine’s proEuropean aspirations. Yet when it comes to mention Ukraine’s strategic partners–
in the case of Romania some hesitation needs to be overcome, much of this being
related to the states sovereignty issues in the past.
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The statements of various Romanian officials, related to denunciations of the 1939
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 2010, were viewed in Ukraine as a reiteration of the
territorial revisionism highlighted by Romanian nationalists in the early 1990s.
Thus unfortunate effects of this kind can and should be avoided through increased
reassurance, communication and concern for one another’s sensitivities.
Position with the European Union as the ‘good
neighbor’ attitude
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Among a general range of strategic opportunities, commercial exchanges between
the two countries continue to be severely underdeveloped. After a dramatic fall in
trade volumes, from about $2 billion in 2008 to half of that figure in 2009, the
trend in 2010 and 2011 has shown a steep rise. Nonetheless, the absolute figures
are dispiritingly low, as is the size of cross-border direct investment.
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Almost two decades after the collapse of the socialist bloc, the two neighboring
states are still largely ignorant about – and suspicious of – one another. There is an
absolute need to build mutual confidence and knowledge through substantially
increased commercial, human, and cultural exchanges. Virtually the only direction
to go from here is up, a prospect well worth engaging.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Position with the European Union as the ‘good
neighbor’ attitude
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The European Union is also engaged in supporting this prerequisite by
programmes aiming to improve the economic, social and environmental situation
in the region, in the context of safe and secure borders, through increased
cooperation on both sides of the borders.
The main areas of intervention:
1. Initiatives towards a more competitive border economy, concentrating on
improving the economic performance of the border area through the
diversification and modernisation, in a sustainable manner, of the border economy
2. Environmental challenges and emergency preparedness supporting long
term solutions to the environmental problems faced by the border areas,
particularly those associated with environmental emergencies where a joint
approach is essential
3. People to people co-operation promoting greater interaction between people
and communities living in the border areas.