THE RELATIONSHIP EUROPEAN UNION - BLACK SEA REGION FOLLOWING THE IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

This paper refers to the possible interaction between the European Union and the Black Sea region, following the consequences the international and financial crisis placed upon the Eastern neighbourhood of the Union. It provides a comprehensive picture on the economic situation in the Black Sea area, correlating the economic realities from the field with the required domains of policy actions. \\r\\nThe research performed tries to reveal the impact the economic crisis had on the Black Sea region, to identify the suitable sectors of cooperation following the recognition of the common challenges and problems. Moreover, it offers a quick insight for the possible future interaction of the region or the countries within with the European Union or at intra-region level.\\r\\nThe paper complements and enhances other researches (not that many though) on the subject. It studies previous researches, it uses the valuable information offered by the most comprehensive international economic data bases and it takes into account the present framework of dialogue developed by the European Union for its Eastern neighbours. \\r\\nThe research methodology included quantitative and qualitative approaches. The analyses of the international literature and the interpretation of the data covered a range of fields pertaining to the European economy. The reading of the information processed was made in a personal key and it was correlated in an integrated, systematic and interdisciplinary manner. The instrument of Opinion Survey was used in two circumstances: in one case, elements were extracted from an existent poll, while in another a personal Survey was created to further inquire on the theme.\\r\\nThe results of the research are of interim and final nature. The final results highlight the economic overview of the Black Sea region, pointing out the challenges and the risks on short, medium and long term. As a response to these challenges and risks, several common domains of dialogue can be identified, including a cooperation attempting to boost growth, competitiveness and productivity at the level of the entire region, through a sustainable development strategy. An important conclusion relates to the relevance of the European Union, as a main partner for the area. The Survey on the interaction European Union -Black Sea region generates interim results. Its limitation is given by the relatively small number of respondents.\\r\\nThe implications of the paper can be reflected in the political decision-makers field and in the policy-debate domain; the findings could be used by economic operators. The research offers a good portrait of the economic realities of the region, it tries to link the possible cooperation between the European Union and the Black Sea region with the concrete needs and it offers an insight from the region for an eventual future interaction of the above mentioned actors.