HomeNewsInternational NewsKristian Vigenin represents the EP on the 40th plenary session of the PABSEC in Baku
Kristian Vigenin represents the EP on the 40th plenary session of the PABSEC in Baku
27.11.2012
Today was the official opening of the 40th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation, held in Baku, under the presidency of Azerbaijan. Kristian Vigenin, co-chair of Euronest Parliamentary Assembly /PA/, spoke at the opening of the discussion, on behalf of the European Parliament and of the President Martin Schulz. In his speech Vigenin emphasized the importance of the Black Sea for Europe, reflected in the Black Sea Synergy - an initiative that was launched by EU in 2007 - after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, to develop cooperation between the EU and the Black Sea countries.
The MEP said that it is necessary the EU`s policy to the Black Sea region to continue to develop its goals – "the synergy should grow into an overall strategy, as was the recommendation of the European Parliament in its resolution of last year."
Kristian Vigenin emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between the EP, PABSEC and Euronest PA and gave concrete examples of successful cooperative projects and initiatives. "Just one look at the list of the countries that participate in these parliamentary formats is sufficient to show how many common interests, in the Black Sea region, we have."
The MEP pointed out, as an example of a successful initiative in the region, the EU`s Joint Operational Programme for Cross Border Cooperation "Black Basin", funded by the European neighborhood and partnership instrument, which made a number of projects, related to social and economic development, environmental protection, cultural relations and educational exchange.
"The cooperation with the countries of the Black Sea Region in the field of the energy security is of the key geopolitical importance for the EU in relation to the diversification of energy sources. This is reflected in various joint initiatives, including the Energy Community, INOGATE Project and the Eastern Partnership, of course. EP, PABSEC and Euronest PA can play an important role in the initiation of a public debate on these issues”, said Vigenin. "I would like to emphasize the necessity of opening of the Southern Gas Corridor and of investments in new technologies to transportation and using of liquefied natural gas on the Black Sea ports.".
In connection with the economic integration of the region, the MEP indicated the significant progress in the negotiations for the EU`s agreements for "Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area" with Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, member countries of the Eastern Partnership and the Organization of the Black Sea economic cooperation.
"Last but not least, the activity of PABSEC and Euronest is associated with the development of democracy and international security. The European Parliament welcomes and supports the observance of the democratic values, the rule of law, human rights, the fundamental freedoms and the principles of good governance in all countries in the BSEC.", concluded Kristian Vigenin.
On the session in Baku, Bulgaria will hold the rotating presidency in the next six months. In June 2013 the Bulgarian coastal city of Varna will host the next spring session of the organization’s General Assembly.