2025 Recap by ICBSS
19 December 2025
In 2025, the ICBSS maintained its commitment to an impact-oriented research and development strategy, aligning with its objectives to enhance knowledge, empower people and enable synergies.
ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE
9th BSEC MONTH OF CULTURE
Since 2017, the BSEC Month of Culture has been asserted as an ICBSS flagship event and an annual cultural highlight for the BSEC region, attracting increasing interest and visibility.
This year's edition included two special features; "Black Sea Women in the Arts", focusing on contemporary women artists from across the BSEC region who are making a lasting impact on the cultural and creative sectors, and the "Cultural Bridges", which includes posts about the cultural heritage of countries beyond the BSEC region. This year's Special Cultural Reference was Croatia, a participating country to the EU co-funded Toural Project.
The 9th Edition of the BSEC Month of Culture was held online from 1 to 30 November 2025.
Drops of Knowledge – Discovering Black Sea Facts & Figures | BSEC Countries Edition
During 2025, a new Drops of Knowledge feature was launched; an infographics’ series aiming to provide comprehensive information on key socioeconomic indicators of the thirteen BSEC Member States, such as population, unemployment, education, economy and climate change.
So far, the ICBSS has released 10 DoK BSEC Countries Edition infographics, which include: the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Bulgaria, Georgia, the Hellenic Republic, the Republic of Moldova, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, and the Russian Federation.
Drops of Knowledge – Discovering Black Sea Facts & Figures | International Women's Day │ Facts from the Black Sea region
On 8 March 2025, International Women’s Day was celebrated under "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." Furthermore, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, widely regarded as "the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s and girls’ rights."
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (8 March), the ICBSS released an infographic with data from the 13 BSEC countries, including the Human Development Reports on Gender Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI).
NEW PAPER BY ICBSS | DIVERSIFICATION OF SUPPLY CHAINS – EU COOPERATION IN SOUTH CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BLACK SEA REGION
The paper, written by the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, was included in the recent collective report "Building geoeconomic bridges: European Union - South Caucasus - Central Asia. Opportunities for Romania", published by the Institutul European din România - European Institute of Romania.
WEBINAR "ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE FOR THE EU ACCESSION NEGOTIATION PROCESS: FISHERIES"
On 20 June 2025, the ICBSS, in cooperation with the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, organised a webinar on the topic "Best European Practices for Developing Administrative and Institutional Capacity for Managing and Regulating Fishing Activities". The webinar is part of the newly launched joint initiative ‘Enhancing Knowledge for the EU Accession Negotiation Process’ developed by ICBSS in cooperation with the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, including a series of capacity building activities on the EU acquis chapters.
3rd TOURAL PROJECT GENERAL ASSEMBLY
On 18 – 19 September 2025, ICBSS Research and Policy Development Manager, Ms. Georgia Chantzi, and ICBSS Junior Project Manager, Ms. Elpida Besi, participated at the 3rd TOURAL Project General Assembly, held in Zadar, Croatia. The meeting was organised and hosted by the TOURAL project partner, ZADRA NOVA.
TOURAL LIVING LABS INFOGRAPHIC 2025
On the occasion of World Tourism Day (27 September), the ICBSS published an infographic with key findings from the TOURAL Living Labs, a series of participatory workshops held under the EU-funded project TOURAL.
BRIDGE-BS GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING 2025
On 1 – 2 October 2025, the ICBSS Research and Policy Development Manager, Ms. Georgia Chantzi, participated at the 4th BRIDGE – BS General Assembly, held in Mersin, Türkiye. The meeting was organised and hosted by the BRIDGE-BS project coordinator, the Institute of Marine Sciences of the Middle East Technical University (METU-IMS).
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS AT THE BRIDGE BLACK SEA FINAL CONFERENCE
On 25 November 2025, the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) joined the BRIDGE Black Sea Final Conference, organised by the BRIDGE-BS project consortium in Brussels, Belgium.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE
BRIDGE-BS WINTER SCHOOL "Science for Policy towards a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea"
On 19 - 20 March 2025, the ICBSS organised successfully the BRIDGE - BS Winter School "Science for Policy towards a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea", an awareness and training workshop aimed to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy processes through hands-on training, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
BRIDGE-BS POLICY WORKSHOP "2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea"
On 1 July 2025, the BRIDGE – BS Policy Workshop for a "2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea" was organised successfully by the ICBSS, in cooperation with the Technology Centre of the Sea – CETMAR Foundation Spain, in Athens, Greece, under the framework of the BRIDGE-BS project. The BRIDGE-BS Policy Workshop brought together project partners and Black Sea national and regional policy stakeholders to discuss and refine the draft "2030 Blue Roadmap for the Black Sea", and to ensure the effectiveness and impact of the proposed exploitation actions in relation to policy needs.
ADVANCE REGIONAL CLIMATE DIPLOMACY WORKSHOP 2025
On 15 – 17 July 2025, the ICBSS joined the EcoPeace Middle East in organising successfully the Advance Regional Climate Diplomacy Workshop 2025 edition. The workshop was part of the Climate Diplomacy for Young Professionals – CDYP, a training programme, co-funded by Sida and other donors, and implemented by EcoPeace Middle East, with the aim to promote dialogue and knowledge for climate and water security for societies and countries across regions. The CDPY includes capacity building activities tailor-made for young water professionals and policy scientists.
JOINT PHD SUMMER SCHOOL 2025 "Global Challenges and Local Responses"
On 1 – 4 September 2025, the ICBSS joined the European Urban Research Association (EURA) and the Standing Group on Local Government & Politics of the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR) for the organisation of the annual joint PhD Summer School "Global Challenges and Local Responses" held in Athens, Greece.
NATIONAL MEETING OF THE ALF HELLAS 2025
On 9 - 11 May 2025, ICBSS Junior Project Manager, Ms. Elpida Besi, participated at the annual National Meeting of the Anna Lindh Foundation Hellas, held in Thessaloniki, Greece. This year's Meeting included an interactive networking session for ALF Hellas members, a session on the Greek Network's vision, goals and objectives, and an exchange on good and bad practices. The Meeting also hosted a forum on civil society challenges, and a guided tour of Thessaloniki's human rights landmarks.
PARTICIPATION OF THE ICBSS AT THE "SEA (CI)-TIES: STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC ALLIANCES IN THE WIDER BLACK SEA REGION, THROUGH INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND SHIPPING" HYBRID EVENT
On 21 October 2025, the ICBSS Research and Policy Development Manager, Ms. Georgia Chantzi, participated at the "SEA (CI)-TIES: Strengthening Economic Alliances in the wider Black Sea region, Through International Engagement and Shipping", held in Chios, Greece, in the framework of the EMD in My Country.
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS AT THE 8TH WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG DIPLOMATS FROM THE BSEC MEMBER STATES
On 10 – 12 December 2025, the ICBSS Research and Policy Development Manager, Ms. Georgia Chantzi, participated at the 8th Workshop for Young Diplomats from the BSEC Member States, organised and hosted by the BSEC Permanent International Secretariat at the BSEC premises.
ENABLING SYNERGIES
14th INTERNATIONAL BLACK SEA SYMPOSIUM "Black Sea: Approaching a Tipping Point?"
The 14th International Black Sea Symposium (IBSS) with title "Black Sea: Approaching a Tipping Point?" was held successfully online, on Tuesday 2 December 2025, organised by the ICBSS.
The 14th IBSS built on the success and positive impact of its previous editions and brought together 90 regional and international stakeholders with an interest in the Black Sea region to explore the evolving geopolitical landscape, its ripple effects, and broader implications for the wider region.
COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR BLACK SEA STUDIES AND THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF ROMANIA
On 11 April 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios MITRAKOS, and the Director General of the European Institute of Romania, Ms. Oana – Mihaela MOCANU, signed a Cooperation Agreement between the two institutions.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ICBSS AND THE RESEARCH SERVICE OF THE VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE
On 1 December 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos and the Head of the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dr. Lesia Vaolevska, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
ONLINE EXPERT MEETING "The current state of affairs in the wider Black Sea region"
On 8 July 2025, the ICBSS in cooperation with the Institutul European din România - European Institute of Romania (EIR), organised an online expert meeting on the topic "The current state of affairs in the wider Black Sea region". The event brought together experts from the wider Black Sea region who exchanged on the current state of play and future developments in the region, while acting among others as a brainstorming event for the 14th International Black Sea Symposium.
COOPERATION BETWEEN THE ICBSS AND THE BULGARIAN DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTE
On 23 – 24 September 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated as keynote speaker at the Specialized Training Course on "Economic Diplomacy", organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute in Sofia.
The event was organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, under the auspices of the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE "BUDAPEST BALKANS FORUM 2025"
On 13 - 14 March 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the "Budapest Balkans Forum 2025", organised by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA), in Budapest, Hungary.
Bringing together more than 100 experts, decision and policy-makers from around the world, the two-day conference aimed at sharing the Visegrad perspective and experience on key issues, including the impact of the war in Ukraine on the region, bilateral disputes, the prospects of EU enlargement and the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for the Visegrad countries.
ICBSS AT THE SECOND LIVING LAB OF THE SOURCE TO SEAS Zero Pollution 2030 Project
On 8 - 9 April 2025, ICBSS Junior Project Manager, Ms. Elpida Besi, participated at the Second Living Lab workshop on "Exploring scenarios for reducing persistent chemicals in the Black Sea basin", held in Varna, Bulgaria.
Based on the input provided by the 2024 Living Lab on "Designing strategies for better governance of persistent chemicals in the Black Sea basin", this year’s focus was on prioritising policies that have the potential to raise awareness of the risks posed by PFAS in the Black Sea basin, and identifying obstacles and best practices that influence the regional governance landscape.
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE “THREE SEAS INITIATIVE SUMMIT & BUSINESS FORUM 2025
On 27 - 29 April 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the "Three Seas Initiative Summit & Business Forum", in Warsaw, Poland. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Three Seas Initiative, the "Three Seas Initiative Presidential Summit", opened with a jubilee session hosted by the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda, on 28 April 2025. During the Summit, discussions focused on future investments within the 3SI cooperation format, including the development of energy and transport infrastructure, as well as security issues in the region.
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE LAUNCH MEETING OF THE "BLUEING THE BLACK SEA - BBSEA" PROJECT
On 11 June 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the launch meeting of the "Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) GEF Regional Project", co-organised by the World Bank and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and hosted by the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) in Istanbul, Türkiye.
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE CONFERENCE "THE GULF NEW GEOPOLITICAL BALANCES - ITALIAN AND EU STRATEGIES IN THE WIDER MEDITERRANEAN"
On 30 June 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated as speaker at the Conference "The Gulf New Geopolitical Balances - Italian and EU Strategies in the Wider Mediterranean", held at the Office of the European Parliament in Italy.
BLUEING THE BLACK SEA PROJECT "A Clear Future for the Black Sea"
The "Blueing the Black Sea" project is a multi-stakeholder partnership that brings together Black Sea countries, international organizations, and regional experts to address the Black Sea's most pressing environmental challenges.
The ICBSS supports the wider visibility of the BBSEA project, promoting the project’s activities and results to inspire, inform, and mobilize people across the region.
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE EU MACRO – REGIONAL & SEA BASIN STRATEGIES DAYS 2025
On 24 – 25 September 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the EU Macro – Regional & Sea Basin "Strategies Days 2025", held in Brussels, Belgium. The event was co-organised by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) with active support from the EU Sea Basin Strategies Assistance Mechanism (WestMED, Atlantic Maritime Strategy and Black Sea CMA).
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS CHAIRPERSON AT THE MEETING OF THE BSEC COMMITTEE OF SENIOR OFFICIALS
On 16 October 2025, the Acting Chair of the ICBSS Board of Directors, Mr. Nairi Petrossian, participated at the Meeting of the BSEC Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), held in Istanbul.
"BUILDING GEOECONOMIC BRIDGES: EUROPEAN UNION – SOUTH CAUCASUS – CENTRAL ASIA. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ROMANIA"
On 3 November 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the online expert meeting on "Building geoeconomic bridges: European Union – South Caucasus – Central Asia. Opportunities for Romania", organised by the Institutul European din România - European Institute of Romania (EIR).
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE EU ENLARGEMENT FORUM 2025
On 18 November 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the EU Enlargement Forum 2025, held in Brussels, Belgium.
PARTICIPATION OF ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE 53RD CPMR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
On 19-20 November 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, participated at the 53rd CPMR General Assembly in Barcelona, Spain.
WORKING MEETING OF THE ICBSS DIRECTOR GENERAL WITHTHE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ARMENIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
On 10 December 2025, the ICBSS Director General, Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. David Karapetyan, in Athens, Greece.
Participation of ICBSS Director General at the 51st Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the BSEC Member States
On 19 December 2025, the Director General of the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS), Mr. Georgios Mitrakos, addressed the 51st Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs (CMFA) of the BSEC Member States, held online. Prior to the 51st Meeting of the CMFA, the ICBSS Driector General participated at the Meeting of the BSEC Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), held on 16 – 17 December 2025.
