EESC calls for an ambitious and pragmatic implementation of the EU’s strategic approach to the Black Sea region

The long-anticipated EU strategic approach to the Black Sea, which recognises the region as a critical hub for security, stability, and economic prosperity, arrives late and with limited ambition, underscores the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), while calling for it to be swiftly implemented and properly resourced.

In an opinion adopted at its December plenary session, the EESC stresses that while the concept of a strategic approach lays out a general direction, it falls short of proposing a fully-fledged strategy with clear objectives, timelines, and dedicated funding. The Committee calls on the Commission to move quickly towards establishing a comprehensive, properly resourced Black Sea strategy by the end of 2025. Without sufficient financing and implementation capacity, the initiative risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative.

EESC member and rapporteur for the opinion Milena Angelova emphasised the strategic importance of the area and added that it had been a bit under the radar in the strategic planning of the European Commission.

’We welcome the adoption of this strategic approach initiative, but we regret that it is only a strategic approach and not a real strategy. This means that the document lacks a timeline, funding and precise measures to boost the economic development of the region, which is paying the most expensive toll because of the war on its doorstep,’ said Ms Angelova.

The opinion calls for a pragmatic approach and a common vision for regional cooperation that also leverages the existing structures in the region. As security remains a central challenge, the opinion highlights the need to counter hybrid threats and disinformation especially in Moldova and Georgia, where Russian influence continues to undermine democratic resilience. To that end, the EESC calls for strengthened cooperation between the EU, NATO and international organisations.

Achieving sustainable peace is an essential pre-condition for economic security and ‘it is regrettable that this is not included as an objective in the Commission’s document. Without normalising the relations in the region, its prosperity cannot be ensured,’ underlined Ms Angelova.

Furthermore, a key concern raised is the uneven burden borne by countries such as Bulgaria and Romania, which have supported Ukraine and Moldova while absorbing economic losses and reduced competitiveness under the sanctions regime. The EESC argues that the EU has yet to recognise the Black Sea’s status as a conflict-affected border area or to allocate support proportionate to the sacrifices made by frontline states.