Factors of the problems and strategies for overcoming them in Ukraine-Romania relations – Romanian view Mirela Ciucur Resurse Association December 2nd,

Factors of the problems and strategies for overcoming them in Ukraine-Romania relations –

Romanian view

Mirela Ciucur

Resurse Association

December 2nd, 2011

Romania’s geo-strategic location

The Black Sea region has been for centuries a geo-political strategic location that continues to attract opportunities for neighborhood cooperation in terms of economic exchange, energy and environmental policies and cross border possibilities.

In fostering new ways of strategic development and supporting economic, social and political reform for the regional member states, Romania plays an important role as it not only represents the country’s best interests but those of the European Union, in its efforts to support aspiring members in the course of accession.

The new role implies equally benefits and responsibilities at various levels: on one hand, Romania became a donor in the actions for development and is gradually becoming an active supporter of developing states, and on the other hand is enrolled in monitoring actions towards successful integration policies, European identity and circular migration.

The Black Sea Region Relevance

In the context of cross border cooperation around the Black Sea region, state partnerships based on historical background, cultural and traditional diversity and mutual governmental interests are likely to develop, as the case of Romania and Ukraine.

One of the biggest challenges in forming a European community strongly united has been particularly the variety of cultures and economic dynamic of its member countries. It may also become its biggest strength, as on a long term, diversity generates progress.

When we look at the immediate proximity of EU and its prospect for future expansion, the Black Sea region, formed by most divers nations in terms of cultural and historical background, economic and social status and even religion and society values may pose a real challenge but also a strategic opportunity, as The Black Sea not only that has a regional significance but also a global one.

A coherent strategy for the region

This status-quo of public affairs may be a regressing factor in running a real democratic process in the member countries and developing diplomatic and economic relations outside their borders.

A number of consequences are therefore generated:

• insufficient ground for promoting the democratic values supported by an adequate law systems

• low level of public society empowerment and awareness regarding its capacity and rights to play an active participation in the states’ decision making process and represent their interest overseas

• the absence of economic and trade cross-border development in the region

• a weak presence of private sector initiative, as typically a healthy business environment accelerates economic development and positive governance towards international cooperation

A coherent strategy for the region

A coherent strategy for the region in preserving the stability and security and promoting the development of democratic states is needed.

While maintaining the national integrity, it could bring a solid ground for reinforcing the core values of European adherence and for rebalancing the poles of power in the world.

The role of youth

The role of youth is not sufficiently emphasized in bringing a new vision of

leadership and public advocacy. As well as the potential of cooperation between

business environment and think tanks in identifying the right ways towards

democratization and private sector development and creating alliances for public

society participation and an open economy.

Cross-border reconciliation and conflict resolution

In the process of building the capacity to resolve cross-border issues and reestablish trust, external actors can play a positive influence, thus they are not able to impose solutions. A set of measures is needed to improve internal political environment, establish public advocacy alliances and raise the debate on relevant issues, involving − Strategies − Participants − Actions − M&E, build ownership of the process within the society.

In attempting to overcome barriers and generate solutions, regional cooperation has a crucial role in support of the local efforts for reconciliation, conflict transformation intelligence and gaining a broader perspective, recognizing the capacity of media and business actors to positively influence mutual understanding and long-term commitment.

The main areas where the two states could act jointly to bring positive change

The extent of affairs between Romania and Ukraine and perspectives for developing them further, with a greater impact in the Black Sea Region.

• creating ways for fostering economic cooperation, sustainable development and innovative business solutions

• encouraging youth to move and act freely across borders in pursuit of better education and professional opportunities and the possibility of transferring valid leadership for the future

• cross-border reconciliation and conflict prevention; bridging communities• empowerment of civil society in securing the values of democratization and

good governance• improved environmental policies aimed at preventing irresponsible actions and

promoting eco-friendly industries in the region• increased cooperation at the level of think thank and business environment

influencing future opportunities for progress• supporting social initiatives for a better integration process and cross-cultural

exchange

Priorities for Cooperation and Partnership from the Perspective of Bucharest

Clarifying territorial disputes

Romania was sure to adopt a non-aggressive foreign policy, as becoming a member of NATO and the EU, in relation to Ukraine. Thus combating illicit trade and trafficking across the border is one of the measures needed to be taken so to improve economic ties between the two countries and foster cross-border initiatives that may be related to environment, civil society and democracy.

Along some current initiatives towards peacebuilding regional cooperation are the

launch of Black Sea Peacebuilding Network (BSPN) holding its regional meeting in Kiev and the Black Sea Peacebuilding Platform, raising the discussion to higher level and in broader society. Engagement in the region to provide support and expertise on peacebuilding and conflict transformation by PATRIR, Romania or Crisis Management Initiative from Finland are also very welcome initiatives.


Combating Illicit Trafficking

In order to best represent the position of Romania as an EU member, in relation to Ukraine both Romania and Ukraine representatives expressed their willingness to intensify negotiations about the agreement on small border traffic and relaunched the work of the intergovernmental commission monitoring the situation of the Romanian and Ukrainian minorities in both countries. These negotiations can be regarded as the resumption of political dialogue about the most delicate issues – combating illicit trade and trafficking across the border.


Combating Illicit Trafficking

The constant problem in bilateral relations is the question of the location of the Ukrainian minority of 60,000 people in Romania and the population of 150,000 Romanians in Ukraine. As until 2009 both countries were locked in the territorial dispute which was eventually settled in favor of Romania (the trial over the status of Snake Island), Romanian-Ukrainian relations are still being complicated by contentions relating to navigation on the Danube and security issues. Due to these unresolved divergences, it may be difficult to expect immediate effects in the process of reviving Ukrainian-Romanian relations, thus common work groups regarding the visa situation have been initiated and positive solutions are on their way.

Energy cooperation Climate and Environment

As important as it is for its geo-strategic position from perspective of EU and NATO and their interests to secure cooperation among their members, the the future of bilateral relations between Romania and Ukraine in the context of the Black Sea Region is equally relevant for economic reasons, primarily energy and trade.

Joint actions and projects at regional level should be concentrated around key problems like sustainable energy, organic agriculture, awareness raising and environmental education and a cooperation plan in the field of environmental policies.

Initiatives for environment policies and construction of a tourism infrastructure and common actions on fisheries policy and protection of endangered species of dolphins in the Black Sea are also important aspects to consider in the development process of the new coastal territories.


One of the most sensitive issues concerning the relations between Romanian and Ukraine, is the maritime border delimitation and the division of the shelf, which, according to the UN International Court of Justice it could not be considered as the outermost point of Ukrainian territory. As a consequence of the court rule, the most part (80%) of the disputed area was granted to Romanian, including a major portion (almost 70%) of the shelf’s substantial oil and gas reserves. Resolving the issue was of crucial importance for delimiting the line separating the two countries exclusive economic zones on the continental shelf, which is estimated to hold up to 100 m3 billion of gas and up to 10 mil. tones of oil.

As the court interpretation doesn’t consider the Snake Island as to be taken into account in the delimitation of exclusive economic zones, oil and gas extraction will require cooperation between both countries.


On May, 2011, both Ukrainian and Romanian diplomacies initiated intentions to improve the relations between the two countries in strengthening economic, transport and energy co-operation.

Energy cooperation and knowledge exchange are also needed in the area of construction of hydroelectric, nuclear, coal mining and in the European pollution standards and participation in the construction of transit routes for hydrocarbons in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, perhaps including Russia. Furthermore, interconnecting energy projects from Romania in the EU energy program, will likely set the ground for encouraging the business sector development in the region.

A responsible operational plan of the area

The major environmental and energy challenges of the two neighbor countries also in the context of global problems like climate change, energy, food, environmental contamination will most likely be addressed involving the presence of the civil society as a driving force for modernization, democratization and economic reforms that allow for a mutual transfer of expertise, good practices and effective solutions from one country to the other.

Successful models of sea neighborhood states dealing with aspects of historical and geo-political nature, like the Baltic Sea region or Mediterranean region are a valid proof that a sustainable and coherent environment and energy policy could only be achieved through regional cooperation.

There is a growing interest for regional cooperation between Romania and Ukraine and initiatives aimed at creation of a common entity to exploit the agriculture, tourism and energy potential and benefit from commercial exchanges while maintaining a steady interest for preservation and protection of the Danube Delta ecosystem may represent the logical step for the two states in the future.

Strategic cooperation

After Romania’s accession to the European Union, cooperation with the countries around the Black Sea region became even more important on the communitarian agenda. Several European initiatives have been implemented, with the intention of reinforcing the regional cooperation.

Hence, The Black Sea Synergy is a European initiative for regional cooperation launched in 2008. The EU efforts through the Black Sea Synergy are complementary with other EU efforts and policies in this region (both bilateral and multilateral) – the European Neighborhood Policy, the European Eastern Partnership, the cross border cooperation.

Source: http://www.fondromania.org

Strategic cooperation

Priorities in the European context:• Regional cooperation programs between Ukraine and Romania and transfer of

knowledge in order to bring Ukraine closer to European values while Ukraine is expected to support the pro-European direction that Romania has been following as a member of the Eastern periphery of the EU

• The involvement of Romania and Ukraine as regional actors active in the negotiations on the conflict in Transnistria, where apparently Romanian-Ukrainian relations are still being at strain as both countries are also divided over the approach to resolving the local conflict where Kyiv holds a more conciliatory position on the prospect of maintaining the region's autonomy within the state of Moldova

• Economic and military cooperation in the region, particularly related to intention to install American anti-missile shield in Romania, in which case Ukraine hinted that would demand consultations in this matter with Romania and the US

• Exchanges of good practices (in the institutional reform area, democracy and human rights)

Recent initiatives and good practices towards unity in the region

Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme launched in 2009, with a total initial budget of EUR5 mil. [www.blacksea-cbc.net]

The International Black Sea Action Day - 31 October On April 21st 1992, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation,

Turkey and Ukraine signed the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention) ratified in 1994.

Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, was adopted by its member states on October 31st 1996, date that became the "International Black Sea Action Day" with the scope of raising public awareness of the regional cooperation initiated in protecting the Black Sea.


The Eastern European Youth Cooperation (EEYC) The initiative started in 2002, when the National Youth Councils (NYC) from

Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus decided to adopt a closer cooperation. An official cooperation agreement was signed between the NYCs of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

The EEYC successfully run over 30 common activities in the countries covered by its membership, involving over 450 active young people from the region and more than 100 youth organizations. Its main focus is orientated toward activities supporting its member organizations, primarily youth organizations, members of the NYC of their country including educational programs, seminars and conferences, knowledge exchange and mutual project initiatives.

Above all, the EECY network, the most extensive youth organization in the Black Sea area aims at supporting the youth policy in the region, by introducing its members into the main EU and UN forums and organizations and advocating for the important problems of youth in Easter Europe on the European and international agenda.

Source: Alexandru Coica - National Youth Council, Republic of Moldova


Giving the diversity of cultural and historical background of the countries in the region, the Black Sea continues to offer a real junction point for communication and exchange. In the case of Romania and Ukraine, further cooperation between local communities regarding the minorities is needed in order to facilitate the access to cultural/educational programs for preservation and reconstruction of the Romanian speaking minorities in Ukraine and vice versa.

While national identity is becoming increasingly important working to find a common ground in terms of political views, socio-economic and cultural values in the region may be challenging, thus developing a coherent strategy may be the

key for future progress. Preserving the stability and security is of crucial importance but democracy and citizen participation are also elements of sustainability and further development in the region.Iulian Fota - Presidential counselor for national security (Romania)

Intercultural cross-changes

Reevaluating the role of civil society in acting as a liaison between the two countries governments is therefore needed in bringing a positive social change in the region.

Initiatives such as the Eastern Partnership Cultural Programme are only early steps in creating cultural and educational exchanges between the two states for a better understanding and cooperation in the sphere of civil society.

Common environmental projects

Preparations for development of the European Union’s strategy for the Danube region were officially inaugurated on February 2nd, 2010. The initiative, in which eight EU member states and six neighbors are engaged, will focus on reinforcing regional cooperation in areas related to

development of transport infrastructure, protection of the natural environment and economic development. The Strategy was proposed to be approved in the first half of 2011 and its implementation was meant to become one of the key issues on the agenda during the Hungarian presidency of the EU.


The countries situated along the Danube have enrolled in this initiative, which is part of the European Union’s regional policy. In addition to EU member states (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria), an interest to participate has been declared by the Balkan states, Ukraine, and Moldova. The European Commission has been coordinating the work on the Danube Strategy on the basis of the resolution adopted on January 21st, 2010 by the European Parliament.

The strategy provides the ground for an intensification of regional co-operation. Its main goals include an improvement of the transport infrastructure (including on rivers), protection of the natural environment, promoting renewable energy sources as well as economic and social development. The Strategy has been funded through funds already available to member states as part of EU funds, including the cohesion and regional development funds.


A vital element of the strategy is represented its external dimension, namely co-operation with Western Balkan countries, which do not belong to the EU. The funds assigned to become available as part of the strategy, are expected to accelerate and facilitate the process.

Further programs focusing on tourism, improving the water quality in the Black Sea and common environmental policies with a strong research component, have been developed among the member states in the region, in addition to the strategy.

Position with the European Union as the ‘good neighbor’ attitude

In the context of European Union’s policy towards its Eastern neighbors and the objective of ‘external integration’, the local rather than the global potential and position of the European Union imposes a new challenge – can EU continue the process of ‘making Europe wider’? Which also trigger a new dimension for regional and bilateral partnerships among the members and non-members of the Union.


Inside the EU, Romania has publicly and consistently supported Ukraine’s pro-European aspirations. Yet when it comes to mention Ukraine’s strategic partners– in the case of Romania some hesitation needs to be overcome, much of this being related to the states sovereignty issues in the past.

The statements of various Romanian officials, related to denunciations of the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 2010, were viewed in Ukraine as a reiteration of the territorial revisionism highlighted by Romanian nationalists in the early 1990s. Thus unfortunate effects of this kind can and should be avoided through increased reassurance, communication and concern for one another’s sensitivities.


Among a general range of strategic opportunities, commercial exchanges between the two countries continue to be severely underdeveloped. After a dramatic fall in trade volumes, from about $2 billion in 2008 to half of that figure in 2009, the trend in 2010 and 2011 has shown a steep rise. Nonetheless, the absolute figures are dispiritingly low, as is the size of cross-border direct investment.

Almost two decades after the collapse of the socialist bloc, the two neighboring states are still largely ignorant about – and suspicious of – one another. There is an absolute need to build mutual confidence and knowledge through substantially increased commercial, human, and cultural exchanges. Virtually the only direction to go from here is up, a prospect well worth engaging.

Source: Center for European Policy Analysis


The European Union is also engaged in supporting this prerequisite by programmes aiming to improve the economic, social and environmental situation in the region, in the context of safe and secure borders, through increased cooperation on both sides of the borders.

The main areas of intervention:1. Initiatives towards a more competitive border economy, concentrating on improving the economic performance of the border area through the diversification and modernisation, in a sustainable manner, of the border economy2. Environmental challenges and emergency preparedness supporting long term solutions to the environmental problems faced by the border areas, particularly those associated with environmental emergencies where a joint approach is essential3. People to people co-operation promoting greater interaction between people and communities living in the border areas.

Documents

Factors of the problems and strategies for overcoming them in Ukraine-Romania relations – Romanian view Mirela Ciucur Resurse Association December 2nd,