THE EU'S BLACK SEA POLICY PRIORITIES FOR THE UPCOMING DECADE

Abstract

The European Union's interest in the Black Sea region, which has never been at the forefront of the EU's foreign policy agenda,is dynamic demonstrated by the policy of a new, more powerful Union after Lisbon. Despite the urgency of the Black Sea's hard securityissues stipulated by militarization of the region by Russia, the European Union is focusing on connectivity, sustainable development,the blue economy and energy. It is this agenda that will determine the EU's policy in the region for the next decade. Understandingthese priorities is important for shaping Ukraine's foreign policy, security, energy and environmental agendas.Keywords: European Union, Black Sea region, Russia, agenda for Ukraine.