The European Institute of Romania (EIR) organised on Wednesday, 27 March 2024, an event in the Dialogues@EIR series on “The role of regional cooperation mechanisms in the current geopolitical context. Opportunities and challenges for Romania”.
The event was opened by Oana-Mihaela Mocanu, Director General of the EIR. The introductory session was addressed by H.E. Lazăr Comănescu, Secretary General, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation and Sebastian Mitrache, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our guests at the dialogue were Octavian-Dragomir Jora, PhD Professor, Academy of Economic Studies, coordinator of the SPOS 2023 study, Marius-Cristian Neacșu, PhD Professor, Academy of Economic Studies, co-author of the SPOS 2023 study, Cezar Teclean, associate researcher, Academy of Economic Studies, co-author of the SPOS 2023 study and Antonia Colibășanu, geopolitical analyst, PhD lecturer, National School of Political and Administrative Studies.
The event was moderated by Mihai Sebe, Head of the European Affairs Department (EIR).
During the debate the following issues were highlighted, among others:
- The theme of the SPOS 2023 study is of real importance and was well chosen from the perspective of Romania’s interests. It continues the series of the EIR’s works dedicated to developing a Romanian conceptual approach to the European project.
- The presentation of the security aspects is also justified in view of the conflict that is taking place on our country’s borders.
- One of the important dimensions of security is the economic one, and this can only be exploited through cooperation.
- There are many forms of regional cooperation, but they need to be linked and coordinated. These efforts must be encouraged and supported, including through the involvement of the business community.
- The initiatives of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reinvigorate dialogue within regional cooperation platforms and mechanisms were welcomed.
- Pragmatism and concrete interests are elements that should guide the external activity of regional actors. The need was expressed for better backing up position statements and declarations with facts and concrete elements.
- The multiplication of regional cooperation efforts in recent decades indicates not only an increased interest, but also a way to increase cohesion between participating states and facilitate the expression and promotion of common interests.
- The Black Sea, as a crossroads between Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, is an important opportunity and invitation for cooperation. Stability in the area is more than necessary for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
- The European course of the Western Balkan states must be supported more by the European Union, not only to consolidate their progress, but also to reduce the influence and attractiveness of projects proposed to the region by other actors.
- The need for an EU strategic approach to the wider Black Sea region emerged, and the need for the states in the region to be involved in substantiating this approach.
SPOS 2023 Presentation_JORA OD, NEACSU M., TECLEAN C.