The Geopolitics of Three Seas Initiative - Next 10 Years

The New Frontier Foundation policy discussion in Vilnius will focus on the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) and take stock of its state of affairs in the light of the current geopolitical momentum in Europe. Established in 2015, encompassing 13 EU Member States , the 3SI is aimed at promoting and facilitating the interconnectivity of its area in the fields of transport, energy and digitalization, while enhancing economic development, EU cohesion and strengthening Trans-Atlantic partnership. Through its Business Forum 3SI spurs collaboration between public and private sector, promotes private initiatives, facilitates investment and innovation opportunities. Decision of Greece to join 3SI in 2023 demonstrates growing interest into 3SI within the EU. Being open to cooperation with non-EU countries who are committed to the fundamental values and principles of the EU, 3SI embraced Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia as potential future members. Western Balkans also remains an important potential area for 3SI, with a view to progressively include WB countries in the 3SI regional infrastructure projects, while complementing EU policies in closing convergence gap and gradually bringing WB into EU membership. Facilitating integration of the Eastern European neighborhood and the WB into EU remains an important added potential of the 3SI. Participation of 3SI strategic partners – Germany, USA and European Commission – amplifies the Trans-Atlantic dimension of the Initiative. The 3SI is additionally strengthened by involvement of special guests (France, Japan, Turkey and the United Kingdom), and key international financial institutions (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank).

Location: Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius, University Hall