On 28 May 2026, European Commissioner for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Šuica delivered a video message to the International Conference of Balkan and Black Sea Regions, urging greater European integration through connectivity investments. Šuica argued that the only way for Europe to overcome current crises—including the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, which she said is raising fuel, grocery, and electricity bills—is to become more interconnected and integrated, particularly through the Pact for the Mediterranean.
The speech contained no concrete proposals, measurable objectives, or numerical targets, instead offering declarative support for the Pact for the Mediterranean and its initiatives. Šuica highlighted the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech Initiative (T-MED) as a means to advance the energy transition and build clean-tech value chains. She also referenced investments in cable systems like MEDUSA and Blue Raman, and the blue economy, without providing specific funding figures or timelines.
Šuica positioned the Pact as building on existing EU macroregional strategies, the Three Seas Initiative, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). She emphasised that the Balkans and Black Sea regions would be prime beneficiaries through improved energy security, new trade corridors, and economic growth. The speech did not address potential costs, administrative burdens, or trade-offs for EU member states or businesses.
The speech advocates for a shift towards deeper EU integration with neighbouring regions, particularly the Mediterranean and Balkans, through infrastructure and energy connectivity. It takes a conciliatory and partnership-based approach towards third countries, focusing on shared prosperity and stability rather than assertive demands.
EU consumers could benefit from lower energy prices if diversification reduces dependence on volatile sources, but this depends on implementation. EU energy producers may face increased competition from Mediterranean renewable imports. Balkan and Black Sea countries stand to gain energy security and economic growth, while EU taxpayers may bear costs of infrastructure investments without clear budget commitments. The speech did not address how these investments would be financed or how potential negative impacts on domestic industries would be mitigated.