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The mosaic of problems in the Black Sea region is one of the more important challenges that the enlarged European Union will have to face. So far, the EU and the Black Sea region are connected only via Greece, three accession countries (Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey), and by the Union’s relationships with Ukraine and Russia. But once Bulgaria, Romania and eventually Turkey become members, the EU will account for half the Black Sea’s coastline. The question is therefore not whether but when will the EU become a Black Sea power? As such, it will have to develop policies on regional issues and deal with threats to regional stability, for it will be virtually impossible to prevent various crises in and around the Black Sea from spilling over and affecting the rest of Europe.