site.btaNadezhda Neynsky Among Founders of International Group for Economic Development in Black Sea Countries

Former foreign minister Nadezhda Neynsky is among the founders of an international group that aims to help the economic development of countries along the Black Sea coast, including war-torn Ukraine, Scotland's University of Stirling, which is among the participants in the new formation, said in a press release on Thursday.

The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group was formed on International Black Sea Day, October 31.

The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group has been formed as part of Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS), a EUR 9 million EU-funded research project, linking science, policy, and industry for critical Black Sea regeneration. 

The group will offer innovative opportunities for investment in the blue economy in Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkiye and Ukraine.

The term "blue economy" refers to the sustainable use of the resources of the seas, oceans and coasts for economic development, improving lives and creating jobs while protecting marine ecosystems.

 Entrepreneurs, researchers and world statesmen have joined the DOORS group. The group is chaired by former Scottish First Minister Lord Jack McConnell and its members, in addition to Neynsky, include former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson and Galina Teleuca, Deputy Mayor of the Romanian coastal town of Jurilovka.

Among the areas in which DOORS will work are renewable energy, sustainable tourism and aquaculture through fish and seafood farms.

The group will develop a portfolio of investment opportunities, which will be published in spring 2025 and will aim to connect promising business projects with entrepreneurs and investors.

"The Black Sea and its coastline is a remarkable European region with a distinctive history and an even more promising future. There is clear, untapped potential to develop sustainable economic opportunities and build a blue economy that will benefit both people and planet," said McConnell.

"The war in the Black Sea region has had catastrophic consequences. We have all seen the human tragedy caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The impact of war on the environment and on livelihoods across the region will also cast a long shadow. Now is the time to plan for the future, to invest in security through prosperity and partnership, and to foster new opportunities for the people, businesses and communities of the region," said Nadezhda Neynsky.