On 21 March 2025, the Ukrainian CMA Coordination held the first CMA Steering Group Meeting. The meeting welcomed representatives from the Black Sea countries, the European Commission represented by DG MARE and CINEA, the Black Sea Assistance Mechanism (BSAM), international and regional institutions such as the World Bank, Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Black Sea Commission (BSC) and other CMA observers.
Presentation of the 2025 Work Programme
Ukraine outlined the planned activities for the year, including national and annual events, as well as Technical Group meetings focused on sustainable aquaculture (SustAqua) and tourism (SustTourism). Representatives from the Black Sea countries expressed their commitment to achieving milestones in the calendar, primarily focusing on environmental monitoring, data collection and digitalisation, sustainable and green shipping, underwater noise pollution, educational initiatives, and funding and strategic partnership opportunities.
The European Commission’s DG MARE reiterated the EU’s support for Ukraine in environmental monitoring and war-related pollution clean-up efforts. DG MARE also announced the upcoming EU Ocean Pact, set for release in May, as well as anticipated new strategies concerning the Black Sea
Achievements and future priorities
BSAM presented the Implementation Report, summarising the progress of CMA activities over the past two years. This included events, projects, strengthened partnerships, and financial support for the blue economy. Black Sea representatives reaffirmed their commitment and looked forward to more collaborative actions to support the CMA of the Black Sea.
DG MARE reinforced the efforts of both the participating countries and BSAM to boost maritime cooperation and emphasised the importance of continued political engagement. Additionally, DG MARE introduced the EMODnet initiative, which provides standardised marine data services, essential for informed decision-making and policy development.
Collaboration to respond to the Black Sea pollution
Three projects: RESPONSE, Black Sea Sierra, and EU4EMBLEAS were highlighted as key initiatives for monitoring, reporting, and mitigating the environmental impact of the current war in the Black Sea sea-basin. Participants were keen on the continuous data collection and collaboration between these projects to maximise their impact and address solutions for the Black Sea.
Inputs from CMA observers
The Black Sea Commission, World Bank’s Bluing the Black Sea program (BBSEA), Black Sea Economy Cooperation, INTERREG NEXT Black Sea and the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) shared their perspectives and best practices as crucial Black Sea actors for strengthening regional cooperation and supporting financing tools to underpin the CMA implementation.
Next steps
The Steering Group participants highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and support, which enhances engagement between Black Sea cross-basin area. The meeting concluded with upcoming plans for further discussions, especially in the next in-person meeting in September, in Brussels.