Vice-President G. Verheugen attended the Summit of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

Mr. Verheugen conveyed to the BSEC Heads of States and Government the best wishes of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. He said that after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania the EU was part of the Black Sea region and was willing to share responsibility for its peaceful and prosperous development. This is why the European Commission had proposed to open a new chapter with the Black Sea Synergy initiative. The European Union – stressed the Vice President – was willing to promote Black Sea regional cooperation in areas like transport, energy, environment, fishery, migration and the fight against organised crime. He added it was of key importance to promote democracy, the protection of human rights and the strengthening of civil society. Mr Verheugen called for common action for an integrated European continent, united in democracy and freedom. As he pointed out, this could only be achieved by solving conflicts and by broadening mutual respect, understanding and tolerance. He said the 15th Anniversary of BSEC was an occasion to prove that the Organisation was willing to live up to the hopes of all the peoples around the Black Sea.

The BSEC Summit adopted a Declaration setting the goal of making BSEC more efficient and project-oriented. The document says that BSEC wants to establish a strategic relationship with the EU. The Communication of the European Commission on “Black Sea Synergy – A New Regional Cooperation Initiative” is welcomed as a step to enhance relations between the EU and BSEC.

During the summit meeting, BSEC granted observer status to the European Commission.

Being in Istanbul, Vice President Verheugen visited the Fener-Balat district, where important restoration works are going on with support of the European Commission. These include the ancient home of 17th century philosopher and musicologist Dimitri Kantemir.”