"The International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) was founded in 1998 as a non-profit organisation. It has since fulfilled a dual function: on the one hand, it is an independent research and training institution focusing on the wider Black Sea region. On the other hand, it is a related body of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and serves as its acknowledged think-tank. Thus the ICBSS is a uniquely positioned expert on the Black Sea area and its regional cooperation dynamics.

Our aims
Through all 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 fulfill in the best possible way its institutional role and the assignments received by carrying out studies, offering policy advice and coordinating activities.

The ICBSS regularly reviews its practices and procedures with a view to enhancing the impact of its activities and achieving greater efficiency."

Source: ICBSS Website, as accessed in May 2007.