Annual Conference of the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin 2007-2013” held in İstanbul

Annual Conference of the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin 2007-2013” was held in İstanbul on 5^th December 2013, hosted by Republic of Türkiye Ministry for EU Affairs, with the participation of representatives from Participating Countries (Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine), European Commission, Project Beneficiaries and other national and international organizations active in the Black Sea Basin. The Turkish delegation composed of the representatives of the Ministry for EU Affairs, Ministry of Development, Board of Treasury Controllers, Central Finance and Contracts Unit, headed by the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry for EU Affairs Mr. Ahmet YÜCEL. 

In the conference, the experiences, success stories, the results obtained so far in the Programme has been elaborated. Moreover, the next period (2014-2020) of the programme, having a budget of minimum 50 million Euros, has been discussed. The participants shared their ideas on the proposed thematic objectives and priorities (including several areas such as environmental protection, development of SMEs, fight against poverty, good governance and renewable energy). The Programme covers a wide geography including all cities having a coast with Black Sea as well as Tekirdağ, Kırklareli, Düzce, Bolu, Yalova, Karabük, Çankırı, Tokat, Çorum, Amasya and Gümüşhane in Türkiye.

Speaking on behalf of Türkiye in the Conference, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry for EU Affairs Mr. Ahmet YÜCEL underlined the contribution of the Programme to Türkiye and to other countries in the Basin and cooperation opportunities in the region. In his speech, he also emphasized the preparation of future Programme, increasing responsibility of countries and the significance of participation of Azerbaijan and Russia.