Policy Brief n.33

Author: Noor Omer

The 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, the largest energy supply disruption in recorded history, has rendered the structural interdependence of the Black Sea-Balkans corridor and the Middle East. Both regions exhibit overlapping vulnerabilities across energy transit, multimodal transport, and trade connectivity. However, they remain without any coherent institutional framework through which to act on these shared interests. This paper discusses that the crisis has created a historic opening to redesign the relationship between Europe's south-eastern energy corridor and the Middle East through a structured, mutual, and resilient partnership. Drawing on corridor economics, energy security, and the emerging policy frameworks of the EU Black Sea Strategy adopted in May 2025, the paper maps three interconnected domains and proposes a consolidated policy framework for Black Sea-Middle East strategic convergence.

The edition is available here.