The Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)

04 July 2025 Events and Discussions

The Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) is the most representative, comprehensive, and institutionally developed intergovernmental organization in the Black Sea region. The Republic of Bulgaria is a founding member of BSEC, and its participation in the Organization is a key component of Bulgaria’s regional policy.

According to the Organization’s Charter, BSEC Chairmanships rotate alphabetically every six months. On this basis, Bulgaria assumed its fifth Chairmanship from 1 July to 31 December 2025, under the motto “Collective Commitment in the Black Sea Region.”

During its Chairmanship, Bulgaria is committed to promoting regional cooperation and upholding the Organization’s economic principles, amid a complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing challenges shaping the region’s future. With a focus on sustainability, cultural integration, and international partnerships, Bulgaria will work to enhance environmental protection, strengthen regional resilience, and foster collaboration within and beyond the Black Sea region.

The following key areas, reflecting the vision of a prosperous and united Black Sea community, will guide the Chairmanship:

Environmental protection and sustainable management of marine resources
Cooperation in culture, education, and tourism
Regional sustainability and crisis management
Cooperation with the EU and other international and regional interlocutors

Further information about the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, including its initiatives and current developments, is available here (https://www.bsec-organization.org/)

The Bulgarian Chairmanship of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation was officially concluded

The final meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) took place on 19 December 2025, officially marking the end of the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation.

19 December 2025

8th Workshop for Young Diplomats from the BSEC Member States under the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the BSEC Organization

The 8th Workshop for Young Diplomats from the BSEC Member States was held in Istanbul from 10 to 12 December 2025.

19 December 2025

Training Course on Economic Diplomacy under the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the BSEC Organization

A training course on “Economic Diplomacy” was held in Sofia between 23–26 September 2025, organized by the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the auspices of the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office (C-i-O) of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

31 October 2025

The BSEC PERMIS Secretary General Ambassador Lazar Comănescu paid a visit to Bulgaria

On 1 July 2025, Ambassador Lazar Comănescu, Secretary General of the Permanent International Secretariat of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC PERMIS), paid a visit to Sofia within the current Chairmanship-in-Office (C-i-O) of the Republic of Bulgaria.

31 October 2025

International Forum "Black Sea 2030: Partnership for Sustainable Development", held under the auspices of the Bulgarian Chairmanship of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

On October 24, 2025, the International Forum "Black Sea 2030: Partnership for Sustainable Development" took place in the city of Burgas. The event was organized by the Municipality of Burgas under the auspices of the Bulgarian Chairmanship of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

27 October 2025

Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation has officially started

On July 14, 2025, the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office (C-i-O) of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) has officially started with the Coordination meeting of the BSEC C-i-O, BSEC Committee of Senior officials, BSEC Related Bodies and the BSEC PERMIS. The meeting was held online with the presentation of the priorities of the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office by H.E. Mrs. Elena Shekerletova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

14 July 2025