ZAGREB, 29 April (Hina) -Leaders of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) said in Dubrovnik on Wednesday that its greatest achievement has been bringing renewed focus to central and eastern Europe, adding that the initiative is now entering a phase of consolidation.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the key success of the initiative was highlighting the region within the European Union, with the aim of closing the infrastructure and connectivity gap with western Europe.
In its second decade, following its launch in Dubrovnik ten years ago, the initiative will place greater emphasis on financing through private investment, EU funds and international financial institutions, he said.
Plenkovic added that the upcoming negotiations on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework present a major opportunity for 3SI countries to act jointly and promote cross-border projects.
Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, who co-founded the initiative in 2015 with Polish President Andrzej Duda, said its greatest achievement was boosting the confidence of the region between the three seas so it is no longer seen as “just a space in between”.
She said the first decade had been one of consolidation, while the next would be a “decade of delivery” focused on concrete projects. The event in Dubrovnik gathered more than 1,500 business representatives.
Duda described the initiative’s beginnings at the 2015 Krakow meeting as modest, adding that its success was reflected in the strong turnout of political leaders and companies.
In my view, this is a clear sign of a shift in how our region is perceived, he said.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan said it is increasingly clear that countries must act together to remain globally competitive.
Our goal should be to build something like a common market within the European market, as our economies are highly compatible,Вhe said.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, whose country will take over the initiative’s presidency from Croatia next year, said Slovakia would also focus on electricity supply, which is crucial for a future shaped by technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Czech President Petr Pavel said the region between the three seas had previously developed within national borders without sufficient interconnection, but that this was now changing.
When we are connected, there is less conflict. I am therefore convinced this initiative will also support European integration, said the former NATO general.
