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THE EASTERN DIMENSION AND THE WIDER BLACK SEA
If we take a closer look at these priorities on NATO’s agenda, the importance played by the Eastern dimension and the Black Sea Region takes a concrete shape. I strongly believe that the Black Sea Region is part of the same process of promoting democracy and stability within Europe and beyond its borders. This is a region where governments and nations are striving for security, modernization and better lives, at the same time having to cope with frozen conflicts and trans-border crime.
The Black Sea is connecting, and not dividing, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. It is a hub for trade, energy and transportation. Democratic transformation is already alive in the area and reforms are being made. However the challenges still remain and assistance from partner states and organizations is still needed. NATO is needed. So are the European Union and other organizations which have developed programs aimed at supporting reforms, economic development and contributing to the resolving of outstanding security issues.
Although, when referring to NATO’s policies in this part of the world, the Wider Black Sea doesn’t seem to come up as a generic term for a region which shares common values, goals and challenges. This is a region where NATO meets Russia, Ukraine and all its other partners from Southern Caucasus and Central Asia. It is the place where common efforts can and should be used to tackle the new challenges to our security and stability. I strongly believe, and I think there are many proofs in this respect, that the security and stability of this region is extremely important for the security and stability of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. The security of the Black Sea Region is part of the Euro-Atlantic security. We need to cooperate with our neighbors, both Allies and partners to transform this region into a stable and democratic component of the Euro-Atlantic family.
Therefore, anchoring the Western Balkans and the Wider Black Sea region in the Alliance’s policies is of great importance for NATO and for the countries in these regions as well.
