The European Union and the Black Sea Region in Search of a Narrative or a New Paradigm

Abstract

The European Union (EU) has over time formulated and implemented various policies to address its Eastern neighbourhood and in particular the Black Sea region ;yet it still finds itself in search of the right mix of policy and strategy towards its neighbours to the East. With the post-Cold War goal posts shifting to reflect the growing realist approach of its biggest neighbour the Russian Federation toward their shared neighbourhood the EU finds itself in a quandary regarding its ability to react and to postulate proactive policies that reflect its engagement. The post-Vilnius Summit environment echoes the urgency of the exercise and the dilemmas that present themselves for the Union. The tugs of war between Russia and the EU and to a lesser extent between the EU and Turkey are at the core of the challenge of transforming the Black Sea region from being a 'grey zone of instability' to one of peace freedom security and prosperity. This could only come about if the EU could construct a common narrative that meets the demands and expectations of its member states and institutions as well as those of its partners in the Black Sea region.