At a landmark conference this weekend, it was recognised that the EU needs to be more involved in the Black Sea region, and a groundbreaking proposal was reached to collaborate with the EU on the launch of a broad, region-wide structured dialogue within organised civil society with stakeholders in the Black Sea region.

EM representatives from Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Republic of Moldavia, Turkey, Ukraine, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom were hosted by the EM Romania, and discussed how best to focus on areas of regional and European interest including education and research, development, and environment. The EMI is uniquely placed to act as a facilitator and catalyst through the EM Romania and Bulgaria, and recognises the need for increased political involvement of the EU in the Black Sea Region.

Building on existing cooperation activities to ensure added value and avoid duplication, the EMI could establish networks with specialized working groups and of Action Plans, as well as a related communication platform. The EM national councils in the region could be crucial in developing such policies.
Full details of the proposal are attached.

The European Movement International was represented by Mr Henrik Kroner, Secretary General, along with Mrs Catherine Lalumière and Mr Charles-Ferdinand Nothomb, Vice-presidents of the EMI, on behalf of our Commissions for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, the European League for Economic Co-operation delegation and the European Teachers Association delegation.

Brussels, 27 February 2008