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Bringing some of those countries together will be challenging, but it comes at a urgent time for the EU to develop its own geopolitical position independent from the US.
The EU strategic approach to the Black Sea region does not come as an isolated regional response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a part of a new package of EU policy initiatives tailored to the broader new geopolitical dynamics including the recently adopted European Union Preparedness Strategy, ProtectEU – a new European Internal Security Strategy, the White Paper on Defence, the new Action Plan to strengthen the security and resilience of Submarine Cables and upcoming - a European Oceans Pact, the European Ports Strategy, a European Democracy Shield, initiatives. This reflects a streamlined and coordinated approach across the EU, with a focus on defence, resilience and preparedness, in the current global geopolitical context
The strategy will be implemented in synergy with the enlargement process and with the Eastern Partnership, a strategic and ambitious policy framework based on common values, mutual interest and shared ownership. It will be instrumental in developing the Connectivity Agenda based on existing partnerships and governance mechanisms in trade, energy, transport and digital sectors. In this context, the Global Gateway strategy will play a significant role. Global Gateway boosts smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. It is the EU's positive offer to partner countries aiming to foster sustainable development and resilience through value-driven investments. Global Gateway supports the twin green and digital transitions outside the EU by mobilising public and private sector resources and strengthening strategic connectivity.
We will see, if the aspects are developed on equal levels or security dominates the economic and environmental aspects. Without an ecologically and socially sustainable foundation, any security efforts will ultimately lead to more destabilization.