The Ukrainian CMA Coordination hosted the third and final CMA Steering Group meeting on 29 October 2025 in Constanța, Romania. This in-person meeting took place during the Black Sea Week and following the Black Sea CMA Annual Stakeholder Conference, marking a significant milestone for regional cooperation.
Representatives of the CMA National Coordinators from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Moldova and Türkiye shared their feedback on the Black Sea Annual Conference, valuing the strong collaboration, knowledge exchange, and dialogue across the region, focusing on marine health, pollution reduction, sustainable use of resources, promotion of innovative initiatives, and the creation of economic opportunities for coastal communities. Suggestions for improvement centred on clearer funding pathways, structured roadmaps for local authorities, enhanced communication of projects and tangible results, and engagement through media channels to raise public awareness.
During the meeting, several initiatives were showcased as practical examples to support future actions for cooperative and sustainable development of the blue economy in the Black Sea region. The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) was highlighted as a relevant initiative fostering cultural tourism, regional identity, sustainability, and cooperation. Projects such as INTERSMARTS, SEArica Intergroup, and TOURAL were presented as best practices examples. Other recognised initiatives included the creation of platforms on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), designed to involve coastal communities and local institutions, ensuring needs and priorities are reflected in regional planning. Engagement with young communities was also emphasised to promote ocean literacy and sustainable maritime practices. In this context, ongoing projects such as MEDSEAPLAN, and initiatives such as the EU Ocean Pact and the EU’s strategic approach to the Black Sea region, were noted as frameworks for cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and unified planning. The CMA National Coordinators welcomed the overview of the current state of these initiatives and committed to exploring further joint initiatives to advance the promotion of sustainable tourism models and regional innovation.
The Black Sea Assistance Mechanism (BSAM) provided an update on the ongoing roadmap for cooperation between sea basins and macro-regions, aligning priorities on sustainable blue economy, MSP, marine pollution reduction, biodiversity protection, and ocean literacy. Opportunities for increased policy efforts, visibility, and local engagement, including youth participation, were underlined.
Final remarks reflected on Ukraine’s role as CMA Presidency in 2025, and how, despite the ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine successfully ensured collaboration and progress throughout its mandate, expressing gratitude to all CMA members for their support.
The Bulgarian National Coordinator will assume the CMA Presidency in 2026, reaffirming their commitment to advancing the CMA in a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility.
The first Steering group meeting under the Bulgarian CMA Coordination is expected in March 2026, aiming to prepare an action plan and calendar of upcoming events and joint initiatives.