BBSF autumn’s Ambassadors Meeting, Oct/2024

The 4th “Ambassadors’ Meeting” of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 11:00 to 14:00. The meeting was co-hosted by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Greece, H.E. Mr. Arif Mammadov, at Domotel Kastri.

Participants engaged in a lively and constructive dialogue, exchanging views on the upcoming activities of both the Balkans & Black Sea Forum and the AgriBusiness Forum.

 

From left to right

Ambassador of Croatia-HE Aleksandar Sunko, Head Communications Geo Routes Institute-Ms. Christina Mangou, Embassy of Azerbaijan Secretary B-Ms. Amina Zalova, Ambassador (a.h.) Co-Chair Balkans & Black Sea Forum-Michael B.Christides, CEO Hellenic Development Bank-Ms. Ismini Papakirillou, Ambassador of Georgia-HE Levan Beridze, Charge d’Affaires Embassy of Romania-Ms. Mioara-Florina PITUȚ, Ambassador of Bulgaria-HE Valentin Poriazov, Embassy of Turkey, Deputy Head of Mission-Mr. Onur Katmerci, Ambassador of Azerbaijan-HE Arif Mammadov, Chair Balkans & Black Sea Forum-Mr. Giannis Balakakis.


From left to right

  • Ambassador of Turkiye-HE Cagatay Erciyes
  • Ambassador of Bulgaria-HE Valentin Poriazov
  • Ambassador of Croatia-HE Aleksandar Sunko
  • Ambassador of Italy-HE Paolo Cuculi
  • Ambassador (a.h.) Co-Chair Balkans & Black Sea Forum-Michael B.Christides
  • Chair Balkans & Black Sea Forum-Mr. Giannis Balakakis
  • Ambassador of Azerbaijan-HE Arif Mammadov
  • Ambassador of Moldova-HE Andrei Popov
  • Ambassador of Georgia-HE Levan Beridze
  • Charge d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of Romania-Ms. Mioara-Florina PITUȚ
  • Head Communications Geo Routes Institute-Ms. Christina Mangou

 

The next working meeting will take place in Spring 2025.

 

BBSF-Executive Roundtable 2024 “Executive Report”

Balkans & Black Sea Forum | Executive Roundtable 2024

EXECUTIVE REPORT – KEYNOTE REMARKS


The 2nd annual Executive RoundTable of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum was hosted on July 10, 2024, in the prestigious “Athenian Club”, under the title “Peace & Security in EUrAsia: feasible, sustainable or an illusion”. Amid the destabilizing conflicts and tensions both in Europe and in the Middle East, a select group of distinguished speakers and guests contributed to a lively and candid debate, held under “Chatham-house-rule”.

https://balkansblackseaforum.org/bbsf-2024-balkans-amp-black-sea-forum-executive-roundtable-2024/



Keynote remarks are available upon request


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Meeting with the Ambassador of Hungary

On June 18th, 2024, Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Chair of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum, was received at the Embassy by the Ambassador of Hungary, H.E. Mr Zsolt Sándor

Ambassador Sándor and Giannis Balakakis had a constructive exchange of views on the challenges influencing the global scene and the equilibrium of the regions; and discussed means for closer collaboration between the Embassy, the Capital, and the Balkans & Black Sea Forum.

Quo Vadis Europe? Balkans & Black Sea Forum unveils

Quo Vadis Europe? A different understanding of geopolitics, geoeconomics, and food safety

Quo Vadis Europe? Διαφορετικές προσεγγίσεις στη γεωπολιτική, τη γεωοικονομία και την ασφάλεια των τροφίμων


The next Balkans & Black Sea Forum Executive Roundtable goes on July 10th, 2024, entitled “Peace & Security in EUrAsia: feasible, sustainable or an illusion”. Held under Chatham-house rules, restricted to experts and selected audience by invitation only, once again, it will give space for open, sincere and out-of-the-box dialogue & debate about the destabilizing situation in the Middle East & Eurasia.

Το επόμενο Balkans & Black Sea Forum Executive Roundtable θα πραγματοποιηθεί στις 10 Ιουλίου 2024, με θέμα «Ειρήνη & ασφάλεια στην ΕυρΑσία: εφικτή, βιώσιμη ή ψευδαίσθηση». Θα διεξαχθεί με φυσική παρουσία (κατόπιν πρόσκλησης) σε πλαίσιο Chatham-house, στα αγγλικά, και όπως πάντα θα διασφαλίσει έναν ανοιχτό και ειλικρινή διάλογο σχετικά με τα τρέχοντα ή/και αναδυόμενα προβλήματα στην ευρύτερη περιοχή.

https://balkansblackseaforum.org/bbsf-2024-balkans-amp-black-sea-forum-executive-roundtable-2024/


AgriBusiness Forum 7th international edition entitled “Quo Vadis Greek & European agriculture?” is held in Athens-GR on 21-22/11/2024, focused on the augmented uncertainties burdening the European agrifood value chains. High caliber experts unveil what needs to be done in terms of the EU & National policies, new CAP, Crop & Livestock production, Climate & Environment, Sustainable cities, Food systems’ safety-security, Financing, and from Inputs & Retail industries. Stay tuned!!!

Το 7ο διεθνές AgriBusiness Forum με θέμα “Που βαδίζει η Ελληνική & Ευρωπαϊκή γεωργία?” θα λάβει χώρα στην Αθήνα, στις 21-22/11/2024, και επικεντρώνεται στις αβεβαιότητες που διαταράσσουν τα αγροδιατροφικά συστήματα στην εποχή 2.0. Φετινό ζητούμενο είναι τι πρέπει πλέον να γίνει όσον αφορά τις εθνικές και ευρωπαϊκές πολιτικές, τη νέα ΚΑΠ, τις καλλιέργειες, την κτηνοτροφία, το περιβάλλον, τις βιώσιμες πόλεις, την επισιτιστική ασφάλεια, τις χρηματοδοτήσεις και τις βιομηχανίες εισροών και λιανικής.

https://agribusinessforum.org/


 

Meeting with Georgian Embassy representatives

On May 28th, 2024, Dr. David Jalagania, Charge d’Affaires a.i and Mr. Irakli Abesadze, Senior Counsellor of the Embassy of Georgia in Athens, were received by Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Chair and Ambassador (a.h.) Michael B. Christides, Co-Chair of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum.

The parties had a constructive exchange of views on the challenges influencing the global scene and the equilibrium of the regions and discussed means for closer collaboration between the Embassy, the Capital, and the Balkans & Black Sea Forum.


From Left:  Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Dr. David Jalagania, Charge d’Affaires a.i Embassy of Georgia,  Ambassador (a.h.) Michael B. Christides, Mr. Irakli Abesadze, Senior Counsellor Embassy of Georgia

MCC Conference, Budapest 6-7 May 2024


Balkans & Black Sea Forum joined the Mathias Corvinus conference held in Budapest on 6-7/5/2024, entitled “The Prospects & Future of the Western Balkans in the View of New Global & Regional Challenges”.

Participants in the fire chat discussion at Session -6- “Security Challenges & Extremism”, have been:

  • Giannis Balakakis, Balkans & Black Sea Forum, Greece
  • Piotr Pietrzak, In Statu Nascendi, Bulgaria
  • Martin Ronto, Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Hungary
  • Attila Demko, Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Hungary

Moderated by Zalán Alkonyi, MCC International Directorate

 


BBSF, Spring-2024 Ambassadors meeting

On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 the Balkans & Black Sea Forum spring’s Ambassadors’ Committee was hosted at the Residence of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Greece.

Under the supreme hospitality of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, HE Mr. Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, participants had a constructive dialogue on the forthcoming activities of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum and the AgriBusiness Forum, and exchange of views on the challenges currently influencing the global scene.

As a special guest, Mr. Ioannis Karydas, CEO Renewables Copelouzos Group, provided meaningful insights on energy interconnection between Egypt – Greece and the European power systems.



In the family photo (from left, to right):

  • HE Mr. Andrei Popov, Ambassador of Moldova
  • Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Chair, Balkans & Black Sea Forum
  • HE Mr. Stavros Avgoustides, Ambassador of Cyprus
  • HE Mr. Alexandar Sunko, Ambassador of Croatia
  • Ms. Christina Mangou, Head Communications, Balkans & Black Sea Forum
  • HE Mr. Valentin Poriazov, Ambassador of Bulgaria
  • Mr. Michael B.Christides, Ambassador (a.h.) Co-Chair, Balkans & Black Sea Forum
  • HE Mr. Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan
  • Mr. Ioannis Karydas, CEO Renewables, Copelouzos Group
  • HE Mr. Arif Mammadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan
  • HE Mr. Dragan Vukovic, Ambassador of Bosnia-Herzegovina

Next working meeting will take place in Autumn 2024.

Meeting with the Ambassador of India

 

On April 18th, 2024, Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Chair of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum, was received at the Embassy by the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Rudrendra Tandon.

Ambassador Tandon and Giannis Balakakis had a constructive exchange of views on the challenges influencing the global scene and the equilibrium of the regions; and discussed means for closer collaboration between the Embassy, the Capital, and the Balkans & Black Sea Forum.


 

EU’s new migration pact passed on 10-4-2024

EU’s historic migration pact passes amidst divisions and far-right fears


Despite a nerve-racking buildup leading up to the vote on Wednesday (10 April) afternoon, and the final agreement to no one’s liking, the EU’s asylum and migration pact ultimately passed with a thin majority on certain parts of the package. 

The file was only passed through due to abstentions, which were used by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who disagreed with the text but wanted the file to pass, as a means to state their grievances.

In the hours before the vote, one political group leader after another, and the law’s negotiators, repeatedly appealed to the MEPs’ sense of responsibility, to deliver for citizens, after almost ten years of deadlock, a reform of the bloc’s migration and asylum seekers’ entrance procedures.

The voting session had barely started when a visitors group erupted, chanting “This Pact kills, vote no”, stopping the session, repeating the calls from several NGOs, worried that the texts did not protect human lives and fundamental rights well enough.

Most of the files passed with a tight majority of around 50 votes. Those related to the registration of people’s information at the border, the database, and the return policy, were overwhelmingly supported, with more than 400 votes in favour, and around 200 against.

Once the complete Pact was passed, MEPs refrained from cheering as is the tradition with big files. The law, ultimately, does not contempt anyone as it is the fruit of years of negotiations between different stakeholders.

The text will now be passed on to member states in the Council, who are scheduled to vote on 29 April via qualified majority.

“Now, we must make sure that what has been agreed to is fully implemented in all our Member States, and that implementation goes hand in hand with the respect for our shared humanity,” Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola said after the vote.

“It is not a perfect solution, it is a compromise that we in the European Parliament are accepting with a heavy lump in our throats, but was absolutely necessary,” said one of the leading negotiators, Slovakian Socialist MEP Matjaz Nemec.

Given the size and impact of the package, including more than five legislative texts and hundreds of pages, some political groups and national delegations have decided to cherry-pick which files to support and which to oppose.

Greens and far-left raise fundamental rights issues

The Greens already announced before the vote they would oppose certain files as they failed to protect fundamental rights, they argued: “What about our values of humanity and solidarity? (…) It is better to have no deal than a bad deal, a deal that would be a true failure of civilisation,” said Belgium Greens MEP Saskia Bricmont.

This was a thought shared by The Left group: “This pact is a pact of shame and disgrace,” said German Left MEP Cornelia Ernst.

Ultimately, none of the files fell, but if one did, the whole Pact would have been endangered, as they are all interdependent.

“This is a now-or-never vote. This moment will not come back. History is watching and our voters are watching,” said Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, in her address to Parliament before the vote, adding “All files must pass or no files will pass.”

A few rebels among socialists, centre-right, and liberals

Despite general support from the socialists (S&D), centre-right (EPP), and liberals (Renew), some members and national delegations still rebelled and voted against parts of the pact.

The Italian Socialist delegation voted against some files, along with their national counterparts, the Five Star Movement, currently not affiliated with any political group.

Part of the reason for their opposition is most likely due to the involvement in the agreement of their national rival, the Conservative party Fratelli d’Italia.

Members of France’s Les Républicains, part of the EPP, also voted against some of the files, to oppose French President Emmanuel Macron’s party Renaissance, breaking away from their group’s stance.

Among the Liberals, some MEPs decided to abstain despite the Renew Group’s line to vote in favour, even though some of their MEPs, Fabienne Keller and Sophie Int’Veld, handled the negotiations.

Fight against far-right rhetoric 

The fight against the far-right pushed the political group leaders to mobilise  MEPs, both in favour and against.

Some lawmakers argued that voting against the pact would give the far-right an easy win, especially since, if it fails, negotiations for a new scheme will have to be undertaken next term, where far-right and conservative forces are expected to have a bigger share in the Parliament.

“If you vote against that pact you will give a victory to the far right of Europe,” said Socialist Birgit Sippel, adding “Europe needs in this legislature clear rules for control and solidarity, all of which are based on values of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights.”

Other lawmakers on the left voiced their concern that the pact is giving too many concessions to centre-right and hard-right forces, such as Giorgia Meloni’s party the Fratelli d’Italia sitting with the Conservatives.

“You are about to give in to the far right, this pact does not give any answers to better managing the inflows, the pact is the opposite, it is fortress Europe,” said Green MEP Saskia Bricmont.

Electioneering ahead of June’s European Elections

This file will continue playing a key role in national electoral campaigns, especially ahead of June’s EU elections.

Sippel said: “Some think it’s not good enough, and others think it’s not bad enough in how we deal with migrants.”

“Of course, these two points also make it that maybe some are thinking about elections and what message they are sending to their national electorate,” she added.

How to manage migrant flows is a key priority for all European parties’ election campaigns.

The EPP, for example, bids to expand the EU’s migration policy next term by increasing migrant returns to ‘safe’ third countries, the controversial so-called ‘Rwanda model’ pushed by the United Kingdom.

In France, the French government is openly planning to use the vote on the file in its EU elections campaign, Euractiv reported, to fight off its main opposition the Rassemblement National.

However, in a poll conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) in 12 EU countries, 15% of respondents saw immigration as the leading crisis in the last decade.

Only in Germany (29%) and Austria (24%) is migration seen as a leading concern among citizens.


Source: Euraktiv

Edited by: Aurélie Pugnet/Rajnish Singh

Meeting with the Ambassador of Cyprus



On March 28th, 2024, Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Chair of the Balkans & Black Sea Forum, was received at the Embassy by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Stavros Avgoustides 

Ambassador Avgoustides and Giannis Balakakis had a constructive exchange of views on the challenges influencing the global scene and the equilibrium of the regions; and discussed means for closer collaboration between the Embassy, the Capital, and the Balkans & Black Sea Forum.