Environmental Concerns in EU–Black Sea Affairs

The performance of the Black Sea Commission as a collaborative governance regime

“…Overfishing resulted in a decline of stocks and alterations in the trophic structure of a large amount of species [2]. The environmental quality and the loss of biodiversity has deteriorated by continuous discharges of organic substances and nutrients by agriculture and sewage treatment [4], the introduction of non-native species [3], oil spills by shipping accidents, the extensive development of mass tourism [5], and climate change increasing the risk of erosion and flooding in the region [2]. To solve these urgent transboundary environmental problems an effective marine governance and regional cooperation in the Black Sea region is needed.…”

“…The Black Sea, bordered by Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Turkey, is of strategic importance both from an economic and geopolitical perspectives, as a crossroad between Europe and Asia for energy and transport flows [1], and as a valuable area of natural heritage which has to be protected [2]. The Black Sea is one of the most degraded seas in the world [3], which has undergone drastic environmental change since the second half of the 20th century.…”

“…The Black Sea is one of the most degraded seas in the world [3], which has undergone drastic environmental change since the second half of the 20th century. Overfishing resulted in a decline of stocks and alterations in the trophic structure of a large amount of species [2]. The environmental quality and the loss of biodiversity has deteriorated by continuous discharges of organic substances and nutrients by agriculture and sewage treatment [4], the introduction of non-native species [3], oil spills by shipping accidents, the extensive development of mass tourism [5], and climate change increasing the risk of erosion and flooding in the region [2].…”