The International Centre for Black Sea Studies is an independent research and training Centre as well as the official think tank and a related body of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). The ICBSS capitalises on its dual role to advance multilateral cooperation among the countries of the Black Sea region and with their international partners through policy-oriented research and advocacy. In this context, a special focus lies on fostering relations between the EU and the Black Sea region.
Founded in 1998 as a non-profit organisation, the ICBSS is governed by an international Board of Directors including representatives of all BSEC member states. The Centre has twelve staff at its premises in central Athens, an Advisory Panel of prominent experts and regularly collaborates with a wide network of international partners. Areas of expertise include Black Sea – EU relations, Economic Development, Good Governance and Institutional Renewal, Science and Technology, Energy and Security and Stability. The ICBSS receives a subsidy from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs whilst projects are co-funded by donors such as NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the EU. The ICBSS’ experience with EU co-funded projects includes a range of actions aiming at an enhanced policy dialogue and closer cooperation between the EU and its neighbours to the East:
- Coordinator, FP7-INCO-CSA project “S&T International Cooperation Network for Central Asian and South Caucasus Countries, IncoNet CA/SC”. Contract FP7-244417, 2010-2013
- Partner, FP7-INCO-CSA project “Networking on Science and Technology in the Black Sea Region, BS-ERA.NET”. Contract FP7-226160, 2009-2011
- Coordinator, FP7-INCO-CSA project “S&T International Cooperation Network for Eastern European and Central Asian Countries, IncoNet EECA” involving 23 partners from 21 countries of the target region and the EU. Contract FP7-212226, 2008-2011
- Coordinator, FP6-INCO-SSA project “Research Potential of the Black Sea countries, BS-ResPot”. The project produced a mapping and evaluation of the Research and Technological Development (RTD) Systems and Capabilities in the BSEC region and policy recommendations for the coordination of RTD Policies among the BSEC Member States and the EU. Contract INCO-CT-2004-510665, 2004–2006
- Leader, FP6-INCO-SSA “Action Plan on Cooperation in S&T for the Black Sea region, ActionPlan-BS” project, resulting in the adoption of the “BSEC Action Plan for Ccooperation in Science and Technology” by the Ministers of the BSEC countries responsible for Research. Contract INCO-CT-2005-517615, 2004-2005
