The Three Seas Summit and Business Forum, the annual meeting of the Central and Eastern Europe launched and led initiative to accelerate regional development across the energy, transport, and digital infrastructures, next meets on June 20-21 in Riga, Latvia. Amid a critical moment for the region, Europe, and the world, this Summit is poised to stir action to strengthen regional security and unity.
This discussion addressed the war in Ukraine and how the Three Seas Initiative can play the leading role in re-building Ukraine in the nearest future and long-term perspective. Among the speakers were: Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, Vice Chair, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security; Konrad Popławski, Head, Central European Department,Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW); Ambassador Kurt Volker, Distinguished Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis; John E. Herbst, Senior Director, Eurasia Center.
"I am convinced that the Three Seas Initiative will be more successful if Ukraine is in it. For more than 100 days, Ukrainians have proven that we are strong not only on the battlefield but also are able to ensure stable work at the energy front. Moreover, we can even export electricity and thus strengthen the EU's energy security. Therefore, I am convinced that Ukraine's role in energy security is vital, and Ukraine can help in the process of de-russification of Europe's energy sector,"- said Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK.
The participants discussed the importance of Ukraine's potential participation in The Three Seas Initiative as an essential stage for EU membership.
"Any political unions are based on military defense or economic interests. Today, Ukraine is fighting for Europe's energy security. The whole world has already realized how important Ukraine is for food security. In addition, Ukraine is an important player in the supply chain, as Ukraine can localize production for the EU. All these elements confirm that Ukraine is essential for the European Union. It is these economic benefits that lay out the foundation for the political decisions of European government officials. Ukraine's participation in the Three Seas Initiative can be a clear example of how Ukraine contributes to interstate alliances," - Maksym Timchenko added.
The Three Seas Initiative (also known as 3SI, TSI, or Three Seas), launched in 2015, is a forum of 12 states in the European Union whose geography runs from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic and Black Seas. The forum aims to create a regional dialogue on issues of relevance for the member states, in particular infrastructure, energy, and digital interconnectivity projects.
