The main supranational cooperation organisations in the Balkan and Black Sea area —such as the Balkan and Black Sea Commission (BBSC) of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC)— promote strategic alliances between territories and institutional stakeholders, fostering joint initiatives and the exchange of knowledge. Their work helps strengthen territorial cohesion, enhance regional competitiveness, and position the Balkan and Black Sea area as a space for structured cooperation with an international outlook. Within this framework, these entities jointly organise the annual International Conference of Balkan and Black Sea Regions, a key forum for interregional dialogue.
The 2026 edition will take place from 27 to 29 May in Patras (Greece), hosted by the Region of Western Greece, partner of the European project Germ of Life. The event will bring together high-level representatives from CPMR, BSEC and PABSEC, alongside delegates from the United Nations, the European Commission, regional authorities, and other international organisations, consolidating its role as a leading platform for decision-making and the definition of common strategies.
Over the course of the three days, the conference will combine plenary sessions, thematic panels and networking opportunities aimed at fostering practical cooperation between regions. The agenda will focus on key strategic priorities, including the development of sustainable energy networks, improvements in transport and connectivity, responses to climate change and water resilience, the promotion of strategic and sustainable tourism, and the advancement of the blue economy as a driver of growth. These discussions will address shared challenges while identifying opportunities for investment, innovation and collaboration in the medium and long term.
The conference is also expected to reinforce the role of regions as key actors in the implementation of European and international policies, promoting stronger multi-level governance and the development of concrete projects across the Balkan and Black Sea area.
It is worth noting that the President of the Balkan and Black Sea Commission (BBSC) of the CPMR is Fokion Zaimis, who also serves as Deputy Governor of Achaia in the Region of Western Greece, further highlighting the leading role of the host region in this edition.
In parallel, and in coordination with this international conference, Patras will also host the final event of the Germ of Life project, taking place on the same dates and reinforcing the city’s position as a strategic hub for European initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation and territorial cooperation.
For further information, please visit the official website of the International Conference.
