Policy background
The Black Sea is a unique sea basin that is rich in biodiversity, heritage and natural resources. But it is under increasing pressure from human activities and the effects of climate change, causing the Black Sea marine ecosystem to deteriorate. It has undergone drastic changes since the early 1970s.
The Black Sea, together with its marine basin and coastal socioeconomic systems, is a natural laboratory of global significance, for fundamental science, sustainability policy and the blue economy.
In 2018, experts from the 7 countries bordering the Black Sea: Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine, in cooperation with marine experts from leading European marine institutes and organisations, and with the support of the European Commission, launched a shared vision for a productive, healthy, resilient, sustainable and better valued Black Sea by 2030 - the Burgas vision paper.
It identifies 4 main research priorities
- addressing fundamental Black Sea research challenges
- developing products, solutions and clusters underpinning Black Sea blue growth
- building critical support systems and innovative research infrastructures
- education and capacity building
The priority areas were developed into a fully-fledged Black Sea strategic research and innovation agenda (SRIA) to guide stakeholders from academia, funding agencies, industry, policy and society to address the challenges together.
The Black Sea SRIA is the main science pillar of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA), endorsed in May 2019. In it, the 7 countries recognise the importance of the Black Sea SRIA for generating scientific knowledge, including better ecosystem assessments, forecasts and management, as well as understanding of the vulnerability of the ecosystem.
Science-based decision-making will pave the way to a sustainable blue economy. The blue economy has a great potential for the Black Sea countries and for Europe as a whole as an instrument to promote cooperation, stability and empower the coastal communities in the region.
The Black Sea SRIA is also a good example of science diplomacy, underpinning confidence building, resilience and positive regional dialogue. A Senior Officials working group (GSO) has been set up to oversee successful uptake and implementation of the SRIA at country level.
Black Sea Young Ambassadors
On 29 October, Commissioner Gabriel launched the Black Sea Young Ambassadors Programme, a network of early career scientists who promote exchange, communication, dissemination and exploitation of Black Sea research.
Projects and results
Research project database
For previous framework programmes, please contact the Research enquiry service.
Example of research cooperation project
- Black Sea CONNECT Project A key Horizon 2020 coordination and support action (CSA) which will scientifically, technically and logistically support the broader Black Sea blue growth initiative.
Documents
- Report
- Direção-Geral da Investigação e da Inovação
CORDIS results pack on the Black Sea
Important and cross-sectoral EU-funded research initiatives have been working towards ensuring the sustainable future of the Black Sea
Latest
- News article
The European Commission welcomes the launch of the Black Sea Strategic R&I Agenda Implementation Plan
An important step forward on cooperation in marine research, for a healthy, resilient, and better valued Black Sea
- News article
Informal annual meeting of BSEC Organisation with the COEST Working Party of the EU Council of Ministers
The purpose of the meetings was to exchange views and ideas for further strengthening the cooperation between the BSEC Organization and the EU
Events

- Conferências e cimeiras
Launch of the Black Sea SRIA Implementation Plan. What is next for the Black Sea research and innovation cooperation?
- Quinta-feira, 4 de maio de 2023, 14:00 - 16:00 (CEST)
- Brussels, Belgium

- Lançamento da campanha
Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”: Danube and Black Sea Lighthouse launch event
- Segunda-feira, 3 de abril de 2023, 09:00 - Terça-feira, 4 de abril de 2023, 17:00 (CEST)
- Bucharest, Romania

- Conferências e cimeiras
Sustainability in the Black Sea regional cooperation: Advancing the Black Sea Synergy and the European Green Deal
- Segunda-feira, 16 de novembro de 2020, 14:00 (CET)
- Apenas em linha