“A 2020 Vision for the Black Sea Region” is the Final Report of the European Commission, published in May 2010. This document analyses the Black Sea Region dimension created by the decision-makers and neighbourhood countries. The report provides a set of recommendations for the key areas of this region and focuses on regional cooperation and sustainable development.
The Black Sea Region is a highly controversial region, subject to intense debate. This is reflected in the regional instability, complex realities related to politics and conflicts, economies and societies, foreign interests and relations with neighbouring countries.
Its geographical position, foreign interests and external relations explain the region’s economic recovery. Its role as a connecting bridge between Europe and Asia, its transport routes and trade are the main reasons which increase its importance at international level.
Over the last decades, the Black Sea Region has changed significantly. Starting with the year 2000 and until the outburst of the global economic crisis, this region recorded the most rapid economic growth worldwide. Trade increased significantly. Increasing awareness about its importance as a region among regions and the conflicts of major local and international players disrupt the focus on its needs and priorities. To that end, there is an increasing need to re-evaluate its importance and role in order to identify the problems and elaborate new strategies for economic development, safety and security.
Commission on the Black Sea was set up in order to elaborate new ways of increasing the importance and role of the Black Sea Region, especially in terms of cooperation and collaboration. By launching the final report – “A 2020 Vision for the Black Sea Region”, the Commission analyses the political directions oriented towards the great challenges and opportunities of this region and puts forth detailed proposals on safety, security, sustainable development and innovation by exploring the potential of every Black Sea Region member state.
The Commission believes that the forecast on regional development, integration and stability is very real. Therefore, it has to maintain every country’s territorial integrity and international treaties and the countries interested in this region should support the efforts made to stimulate economic growth and good governance, as well as to boost cooperation.
The Black Sea Region has a high development potential
In regards to this region’s economy, according to the Commission’s report, 2000 – 2008 brought a real increase in GDP (an average of 6%). The standard of living, trade and investments increased. This growth determined the region’s integration in the European and global economic context. The intra-regional dynamics was improved due to the increase in the number of organisations, the optimization of the cooperation process and economic integration, increasing capitals, trade and services. However, starting with Q3 2008, this increase reached a dead point, corroborated with a decrease in the foreign capital intake caused by the global economic crisis. 2010 is estimated to bring a 1-2% increase in economy and the annual economic growth rate may reach 3-4%.
Maintaining good relations with key players, including the US, EU, China, Middle East and Central Asia, is important for the economic growth of this region. To that end, the most important development parameter is represented by the EU, whose decisions influence directly the regional economy. The EU market is vital for the Black Sea Region, as the main source of financing, loans, investments and welfare. Indeed, this doesn’t exclude the development of cooperation with the other regions.
Transport system development plays a major role in economic growth, especially railway transport, seeing as it is the fastest, safest, most eco-friendly and efficient mode of transport. As a geographical region rich in natural resources, the Black Sea Region benefits from many opportunities and challenges related to transport. This region is a major hub for transport flows. In this context, competitiveness, attracting traffic flows, interoperability and intermodality are major factors which contribute to economic growth.
The Black Sea Region is crossed by major transport corridors, such as the Trans-European Railway (TER), TRACECA and the “New Silk Road”, which covers railway, road and maritime transport, linking Europe and Asia. Through this project, the European Union focuses its attention on investment projects and technical assistance.
International freight transport contributes to economic development. According to estimates, the freight volume which crosses this region is increasing.
EU’s involvement in this region is vital, because it provides financing for major projects related to transport infrastructures. Therefore, a constant level of cooperation has to be maintained in order to support the transport sector by improving the efficiency, safety and security of transport operations. The European Union should take advantage of the experience accumulated in various transport initiatives in the Black Sea Region. (The entire document can be accessed at www.blackseacom.eu.)
by Pamela Luică
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