OPINIONS
Date: 23 August 2022 Author: Matej Kečkeš, Polish mag.
The Three Seas Initiative
In the 21st century, the sea continues to be the most common way to transport goods and people. The context and importance of the seas can be a key factor in an international show. So why not take advantage of this factor and unite? Working together for the common good may be an old concept, but it still works. Until it becomes too political when it comes to endangering other political groups, unions, and organizations. That is why it is important to perceive the Three Seas Initiative as something important, something new and innovative, but above all—something good. As stated in the official definition, it is “a politically inspired, commercially driven platform to improve connectivity between Member States”.
Officially, the Three Seas Initiative was born out of the common interest in the development of transport, energy, and digital infrastructure connections on the North-South axis of the EU. However, the main question remains, is it self-sufficient by following the original idea, or does it require a change in the definition and framework of the work? Perhaps great events in the international relations scene may concentrate on one of the departments.
Great events such as the global pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine or inflation can and do have an impact on the Initiative. Some member states, including initiating countries, are losing interest. Some of them focus on themselves, and some move towards stronger international ties.
When we talk about Croatia, its position is currently based on energy independence, and this is to convince other allies to follow in its footsteps. All international organizations rely increasingly on energy production, transport, and sufficiency. Croatia with its LNG terminal can and is an example of how it should work. Maybe we were lucky because no one could have predicted the war, but generally that’s the conclusion. Moving towards energy independence and connecting a completely new energy transport line—within a group of countries—then why can’t they be members of the Initiative. The world is changing, and energy independence is a must. It strengthens the country, the region, but also makes us more productive, green and efficient.
As for the coherence and future of the Initiative, I can only see that the Member States will be more motivated to implement the idea of TSI. The crisis in Ukraine may strengthen the Initiative, especially due to the variable energy independence. Support for Ukraine is political and financial, even military, but also national or EU-based. The initiative is not an organization that has to develop strategies and policies in the context of international outbreaks in general or in the context of supporting the condemnation of any action. The initiative is to hold countries together, countries that are not mere leaders. I would easily compare it to the Non-Aligned Movement. It only shows the power of the little ones—united. However, if Ukraine becomes part of the Initiative, then the agility of the group will not work and reach the potential it has now. Of course, it has its pluses. For example, there is the Black Sea and all the opportunities it brings, but on the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria are already here. The main picture we need to see is that basic access to the coast of any sea is not as important as the length of the coast that any movement or organization has. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times. Of course, it has its pluses. For example, there is the Black Sea and all the opportunities it brings, but on the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria are already here. The main picture we need to see is that basic access to the coast of any sea is not as significant as the length of the coast that any movement or organization has. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times. Of course, it has its pluses. For example, there is the Black Sea and all the opportunities it brings, but on the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria are already here. The main picture we need to see is that basic access to the coast of any sea is not as significant as the length of the coast that any movement or organization has. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times. But on the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria are already here. The main picture we need to see is that basic access to the coast of any sea is not as significant as the length of the coast that any movement or organization has. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times. But on the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria are already here. The main picture we need to see is that basic access to the coast of any sea is not as important as the length of the coast that any movement or organization has. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times. Every movement or organization has at its disposal. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times. Every movement or organization has at its disposal. In this context, membership of Ukraine would be a great asset of the Initiative. And the coherence that arises when working for the common good can easily provide wealth in other parts. It can unite countries and help them overcome quarrels and fulfill other tasks that have so far been impossible to perform. And that’s not some utopian statement, it’s something history has thought about many times.
As for the meeting in Bucharest, Ukraine will become part of the Initiative. In fact, coming up with new statuses for countries that want to be members but for some reason they can’t right now is not serious, and it makes the organization not looking strong enough to make its own decisions. How wise that is in terms of flexibility and efficiency is hard to say. Access to the Black Sea will be greater, of course, but how safe—that is the question. Also, when Ostpolitik hasn’t worked as well as other strategies from other states, they will come into a big-name membership account. The members of the Initiative must remain strong and keep their word—otherwise it will only result in the creation of an EU within the EU.
Financed by the National Institute of Freedom – Civil Society Development Center as part of the Government Program Civic Initiatives Fund NEWFIO for the years 2021-2030.
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