Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) started a new initiative. The Task Force is designed to meet periodically in order to ascertain the possibility of formulating a joint strategy for the development of the wider Black Sea area. A comprehensive strategy would set the framework for addressing regional priorities in the key fields of security and economic-social development. Such an integrated strategy would mirror the needs and priorities of the region and propose means and mechanisms to address them while taking into consideration, among others, the opportunities and possibilities offered by the international community.