The Black Sea region has become a central security concern for Europe. Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, accelerating militarisation and rising hybrid threats have pushed the region to the top of the EU’s strategic agenda, leading to the adoption of a new EU Strategic Approach to the Black Sea. As a key corridor for energy, trade and military mobility, stability in the Black Sea is vital to Europe’s security.

Turning this strategy into action requires stronger EU engagement on defence, maritime security and resilience against hybrid threats, alongside deeper regional cooperation. The region’s future is closely tied to the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine, but it also tests the EU’s ability to move beyond a reactive posture and develop a coherent, long-term strategy for sustained engagement.

This Policy Dialogue, hosted in cooperation with the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, will bring together senior officials, policymakers and experts to examine how the EU can strengthen security, stability and cooperation in the Black Sea region – and outline the steps needed to translate strategy into action.

Participation is open to EPC members, media, and EU officials.

For media enquiries, please contact media@epc.eu.

For other queries, please contact events@epc.eu.