International Centre for Black Sea Studies
The International Centre for Black Sea Studies (Greek: Διεθνές Κέντρο Μελετών Ευξείνου Πόντου, English Acronym: ICBSS, Greek Acronym: ΔΙΚΕΜΕΠ) is a think-tank based in Athens, Greece, committed to promoting multilateral cooperation between the countries of the Black Sea region and with their international partners. History and Identity. The ICBSS was established in 1998 as a private non-profit organisation under Greek law (art. 50 paragraph 2 of L. 2594/1998, Government Gazette 62-A’, as modified by Presidential Decrees No 137 & 138, Government Gazette No.119, 1st issue, April 2000). The centre is a de  facto related body of the intergovernmental Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and forms part of the so-called “BSEC family” of institutions. The ICBSS was created originally to contribute through policy-oriented research and advocacy work to the realisation of the goals of the BSEC and continues to act as the BSEC's acknowledged think-tank. Aside from the mandates received from the BSEC the centre also carries out a range of projects and activities on its own initiative, aiming to foster multilateral cooperation in and with the wider Black Sea region. A special focus lies on  relations with the European Union. Objectives. Through its activities, the ICBSS aims to foster multilateral cooperation among the BSEC member states as well as with their international partners. As an independent research and training centre the ICBSS strives “to pursue applied, policy-oriented research, build capacity and promote knowledge on the Black Sea region both within and outside its boundaries”. As a related body of the BSEC its goal is "to fulfil in the best possible way its institutional role and the assignments received by carrying out studies, offering policy advice and coordinating activities”. In 2008, undergoing a review of  its image on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the Centre coined the motto: “Promoting Synergies Across Regions”. Activities. To fulfil its mission the Centre carries out applied, policy-oriented research either independently or in its capacity as a related body of the BSEC. While it is not restricted in its thematic scope the ICBSS has so far focused on the following thematic areas: Research supporting on these topics is pursued in-house, through external experts and/or in collaboration with other institutions. It feeds into the centre's projects, publications, events, and advocacy activities. Projects. Aside from its ongoing programmes , the centre is also undertaking a range of one-off projects of limited duration often carried out with the collaboration of international partners and usually receiving external funding. The centre has been in particular involved in a number of large-scale EU co-funded projects aiming to foster cooperation and policy coordination in the fields of Science and Technology: Other projects include: Publications. The ICBSS produces the following publication series: In addition to its series, the Centre occasionally produces books and other publications, while ICBSS staff members contribute to edited volumes, journals and a range of online and offline media . The centre's publications are available free of charge from its website and can also be consulted in its in-house library as part of a collection of publications on Black Sea related topics. Advocacy. As a think-tank the ICBSS produces policy-oriented research in the areas of its expertise designed to provide decision-makers and other stakeholders with information and analysis for evidence-based decision-making. In its capacity as a related body of the BSEC the Centre participates in the deliberations of the Organisation's decision-making and subsidiary organs and related bodies, mainly in a consultative  role. Upon specific mandates, it drafts policy documents offering policy advice and is engaged in various working groups. Structure. The ICBSS is overseen by a Board of Directors comprised by representatives from all twelve member states of the BSEC as well as the Secretary General of the BSEC Permanent International Secretariat, the Director General and Alternate Director General of the ICBSS, and three floating chairs for persons of high international standing. Managed by the ICBSS’ Director General with the assistance of the Alternate Director General, the ICBSS team consists of 10-15 staff working on the premises and a pool  of external experts and collaborators appointed on a project basis. Partners. The centre has established a network of international partners including the following “special partners”: Resources. The Government of the Hellenic Republic supports the centre's operation and development. Additional funding is obtained through research contracts, grants and voluntary contributions of BSEC member states and other donors.